Britain Sanctions Two Iranians and Summons Iran's Ambassador; Tehran "Categorically" Denies Involvement in the RAF Fairford Incident

Britain on Monday 20 Mehr 1405 (12 October 2026) sanctioned two Iranians for their "role in facilitating or engaging in hostile activity on behalf of the Iranian regime" and summoned Iran's ambassador. According to Al Jazeera, one is Ruhollah Bazghandi, head of IRGC counterespionage, who is now under an asset freeze, travel ban and company-director bar; the other is Shahram Ali Reza Tamarzadeh Jakki, whom London describes as a facilitator for the Zindashti criminal network. Donya-e-Eqtesad also reported the sanctions on two officials and the ambassador's summoning.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham told parliament that a suspected plot against RAF Fairford, which the US uses for bombers, was "almost certainly" directed by the IRGC and that more sanctions are coming. The incident occurred in the early hours of 5 Mehr (27 September); five British men were arrested and later released without charge, and police found no explosives. The source and nature of the threat remain unclear and no one has been charged.

Iran's ambassador Ali Mousavi met UK minister Stephen Doughty and, according to IRNA, "categorically rejected" any Iranian role and said Tehran is willing to cooperate with the investigation. The same day 29 countries, including the UK, the US and most European states, issued a statement condemning "Iran's use of violent attacks"; Iran has not accepted the allegations. The sanctions and the statement raise political risk in Tehran's relations with Europe.