Iran has "categorically" rejected suggestions that it is linked to the five arrests made at RAF Fairford, branding speculation "unfounded" and "malicious".
Five men were arrested in Whelford, Gloucestershire, in the early hours of Sunday, initially on suspicion of explosives offences and later on suspicion of terrorism.
Arrests and evacuation
A villager in Whelford called 999 after seeing three vans and a group of masked men near the base. Dozens of homes were evacuated as bomb disposal teams were called to the scene.
Police are understood to be investigating whether any potential plot could be linked to Iran, which has used proxies to carry out crimes on British soil in the past.
Iranian embassy statement
In a statement on social media, the Iranian Embassy in London said: "The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in London categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations published by some British individuals and media outlets attempting to link Iran to arrest of five suspects in the vicinity of RAF Fairford base.
"The circulation of such fabricated speculations, particularly in the aftermath of the criminal acts of aggression committed by the United States and the Israeli regime against the Iranian people, will serve no purpose other than to fuel Iranophobia propaganda in the UK.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves the right to take appropriate legal measures, as necessary, to safeguard the rights and interests of the country and its people in response to misleading and damaging media narratives."
This is a breaking news story and further updates are expected.
