US charges three Iran-backed operatives for plots in US and Europe
The US Department of Justice alleges the suspects orchestrated a terrorist plot at a UK air force base in September.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged three Iran-backed operatives for allegedly involvement in a series of plots across the US and Europe, according to BBC News. The suspects, identified as Mohsen Mohajeri, Mohammad Ali al-Hassani, and Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, are accused of planning attacks under the name of a group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI).
The DOJ alleges the trio planned 18 terrorist attacks in Europe during the spring of 2026, seven of which occurred in the UK. These attacks reportedly included arsons, explosives, and a near-fatal stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, north London, in April.
The indictment claims the suspects were involved in nearly 20 attempted attacks supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah. FBI Director Kash Patel said the indictment shows Iran's determination to commit terrorist attacks in Europe and the US.
One major incident involved RAF Fairford in the UK on 27 September, when suspicious vans were reported near the base. The DOJ alleges al-Hassani directed and paid associates in the UK to arrange logistics for the plot, including procuring vans, fuel, and metallic objects for use as shrapnel.
Iran has strongly denied involvement in the RAF Fairford incident. The Iranian embassy in London said it categorically rejects and condemns what it called unfounded and malicious speculations linking Iran to the event.
Seven men have been arrested in the UK over the RAF Fairford incident. A suspect in a related matter is due to stand trial next year.