The UK defense minister says the Islamic Republic and its proxy forces intend to harm Britain, and that Iran’s repeated efforts to threaten the interests of London and its allies have been thwarted.

In response to the arrest of five people near the RAF Fairford airbase, Ben Wallace said that, regarding the motives of those individuals, “speculation is premature” until the investigations are completed. However, he said he takes Iran’s general threats against Britain seriously.

According to an informed source, an Iran-related motive is currently the most likely hypothesis under investigation, though the possibility of a Russian sabotage operation or a Islamist plot is also being examined. Tehran has previously denied any involvement in attacks or similar plans in Britain.