29 countries condemn Iran over alleged role in UK air base incident

Twenty-nine countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have condemned Iran’s alleged involvement in a security incident at RAF Fairford, a British air base used by US forces, warning that they would take action against anyone carrying out hostile activities on Iran’s behalf.

In a joint statement, the countries said they accepted the UK’s assessment of Iran’s involvement in the incident and condemned what they described as Tehran’s harmful activities, including violent attacks, arson, sabotage and cyberattacks targeting their territories and partners.

The statement said any attempt by Iran to threaten, intimidate, harm or coerce people in the signatory countries, either directly or through proxies, was unacceptable. The countries pledged to hold those responsible for acts of aggression carried out on Iran’s behalf accountable.

The signatories also said the incident at RAF Fairford demonstrated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) willingness to conduct operations beyond Iran’s borders through covert networks and proxy groups.

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the UK had summoned Iran’s ambassador in London to protest what he described as threats to British security. The UK also imposed sanctions on two Iranian nationals over their alleged involvement in harmful activities on behalf of the Iranian government.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte welcomed the statement by allied countries and partners over alleged Iranian activities targeting their territories, including the incident at RAF Fairford. He said the alliance would continue to protect the security of its people.

However, Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, reported that the Iranian ambassador to the UK had rejected Tehran’s alleged involvement in the incident during a meeting with Britain’s minister for the Middle East.

The ambassador urged the British government to avoid taking positions or making public statements that were not supported by evidence. He added that Iran was ready to cooperate with the relevant authorities in investigating the incident.

Credit: Shafaq