A jailed man in the United States has been accused of helping Iranian operatives plan a terrorist attack on a British air base used by the US military. A new indictment unsealed on Tuesday claims he sent secret instructions to his associates through phone and video calls with family members in Iraq.
The case centers on RAF Fairford in western England. The base has hosted American bombers during military operations in the Middle East. US prosecutors say the alleged attack was part of a wider campaign against American and Jewish targets in Europe and the United States.
The suspect, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, is a dual Iranian-Iraqi national. He is currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. He was arrested last spring and has remained in custody since then.
According to the indictment, al-Saadi continued to communicate with people linked to the alleged plot despite being behind bars. Prosecutors say he used coded words during calls with his mother and sister in Iraq. He allegedly asked them to pass messages to other members of the network.
Two other men have also been charged in the case. They are Mohsen Mohajeri, an Iranian national, and Mohammad Ali al-Hassani, an Iraqi national. Neither man is currently in US custody.
The indictment accuses the three men of working together through contacts in the United Kingdom. Prosecutors say their alleged network planned nearly 20 attacks against Jewish communities in Europe and the United States. The suspected attack on RAF Fairford was also part of the alleged campaign.
Manhattan US Attorney Jamie McDonald said the defendants helped organize attacks on behalf of groups linked to Iran. He said their alleged targets included Jewish communities and a British military base housing American service members.
McDonald warned that threats from Iran-backed groups were a serious concern for the United States and its allies. Attorney General Todd Blanche also said anyone involved in planning an attack on a military base used by American forces would face prosecution.
The alleged RAF Fairford plot first drew attention on September 27. British police detained several men after three suspicious vans were seen traveling toward the base. The incident raised concerns about a possible explosives attack.
Seven men were arrested in Britain over the incident. All were later released on bail. However, two were subsequently arrested again on suspicion of assisting Iran’s intelligence service. British authorities charged them under the National Security Act.
The incident also led to changes in US military security. American authorities moved bombers stationed at RAF Fairford back to the United States after concerns about the suspected threat. Iran denied any role in the alleged operation.
RAF Fairford is located about 100 miles west of London. It has served as an important base for American military aircraft during several conflicts in the Middle East. Its location and role make it a key site for US military operations in Europe.
The latest indictment provides details about how al-Saadi allegedly used family calls to communicate with his associates. Prosecutors say he told his relatives that he owed money to Mohajeri. He then asked them to pass messages about their previous “work.” Investigators believe the term referred to terrorist activity.
During a phone call on July 30, al-Saadi reportedly asked his sister what had happened to their earlier work. He wanted to know whether the plans had been canceled or simply delayed. His sister allegedly replied that the work had not been canceled.
In another call on September 24, al-Saadi asked about al-Hassani. His family reportedly told him that the man had been moved to the International Section. He then allegedly instructed them to give al-Hassani money so the group could continue its plans.
Al-Saadi has been held in solitary confinement since his arrest in May. The FBI monitored and recorded his phone and video calls with family members. Prosecutors said he took part in nine calls between June and September.
His lawyer raised concerns in September after some calls were interrupted or ended without an explanation. The government later said it suspected al-Saadi was using coded language to discuss possible attacks. His phone access was then limited to one hourlong call each month.
The indictment also describes alleged attacks against Jewish sites in London. Prosecutors say that in mid-April, al-Saadi, Mohajeri and al-Hassani directed an individual to set fire to a Jewish charity building. The men allegedly watched the incident through a video feed displayed on a large screen.
The following day, the same network allegedly directed an attack on a London synagogue. Prosecutors claim al-Hassani instructed the individual to set the building on fire.
Al-Saadi pleaded not guilty in June to charges involving at least 18 planned attacks in Europe. He described himself as a prisoner of war and has been held without bail. His lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the latest indictment.
US prosecutors say the alleged network had links to Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Both groups are designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the US government. Prosecutors also describe al-Saadi as a commander in Kata’ib Hizballah.
The latest charges add to the investigation into suspected Iran-backed operations in Europe. US and British authorities are examining the alleged network, its contacts and its plans. However, the accusations remain allegations, and the defendants have not been convicted in the case.
