Iran security · October 2026

In the United Kingdom in October 2026, counter-terrorism police arrested a dual UK-Iranian national on suspicion of terrorism offences in connection with an incident at RAF Fairford, a British air base used by the United States. UK Prime Minister Burnham said there was a "strong indication" of Iranian involvement in an alleged terror plot at the base. Iran summoned the British ambassador over the terror allegations. Further details of the incident and the investigation were not given. US President Donald Trump said the flydubai co-pilot who stabbed Indian captain Smit Machchhar may be linked to Iran and suggested the US could increase strikes on Iran after the midterm elections, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to say whether Iran was behind the attack. A flydubai co-pilot attempted to crash a jet bound for Israel; Saudi Arabia said the co-pilot was transferred to the United Arab Emirates, and the IRGC said it dismantled a terrorist team in southeast Iran. US Central Command said US forces redirected 125 commercial vessels since Iran reimposed a maritime blockade. US troops left Iraq as militias remain in the country, and the IRGC hailed the withdrawal while Iraq set a new disarmament deadline.