“The suspected plot targeting the RAF Fairford air base was coordinated in Iran and directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.” — Andy Burnham. Our verdict: Unverified.

What we found

The evidence

• Background

  The Globe and Mail reports that Andy Burnham said the suspected plot was highly likely coordinated in Iran and almost certainly directed by the IRGC. [1]

• Background

  The Guardian reports that Burnham said the IRGC was "almost certainly" behind the RAF Fairford threats, repeating his assessment without adding independent proof. [2]

• Background

  Gulf News records Burnham's claim and notes that Iran challenged the UK to prove the IRGC's role, with 29 countries condemning the alleged Iranian covert operations. [3]

• Background

  The Times of India reports Burnham's statement blaming the IRGC and notes that Tehran denies the allegation. [4]

• Background

  Fox 23 reports Burnham's statement that the IRGC "almost certainly" directed the suspected air base plot, alongside details of arrests and bail releases. [5]

• Background

  Firstpost reports that Burnham said the RAF Fairford plot was "almost certainly" directed by Iran's Revolutionary Guards. [6]

What we could not confirm

• Whether any intelligence assessment, court document or official investigation actually confirms that the plot was coordinated in Iran.
• Whether the IRGC genuinely directed the suspected plot, as no primary evidence has been made public.
• Whether undisclosed classified material exists that could confirm or refute the claim.

How we checked

We looked at news reports from a range of outlets covering Andy Burnham's public statements, and we searched for any intelligence findings, court documents or official investigations that would independently verify the claim. We found only reports repeating his assessment, with no primary evidence attached. We reviewed 9 relevant sources.