Three Iran-linked Operatives Charged in Alleged Terror Plots
WHO:
CBS News - Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, whom CNN identifies as Mohammad Dawood Al-Saadi, is accused of directing the plot. CBS describes him as linked to Iran-backed organizations, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Kata'ib Hizballah.
CBS News - The other two defendants are Mohsen Mohajeri, an Iranian national, and Mohammad Ali al-Hassani, an Iraqi national. CBS says neither was in custody; CNN reports both were charged alongside Al-Saadi.
CNN - Prosecutors describe Mohajeri as an IRGC operative and Al-Saadi as associated with Kataib Hezbollah.
CBS News - Attorney General Todd Blanche said, “anyone who plans a terrorist plot on a military base housing American servicemembers will be prosecuted by the United States government.”
CNN - Prosecutors allege Al-Saadi had worked closely with Qasem Soleimani and was close to Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. CNN reports both men were killed in US strikes.
WHAT:
CBS News - The Justice Department announced charges alleging that the three men plotted an attack on RAF Fairford, a British Royal Air Force base where US troops are stationed.
CBS News - An eight-count superseding indictment alleges Al-Saadi coordinated with Mohajeri and Al-Hassani, including by sending coded messages through third parties.
CBS News - Prosecutors allege the plan involved three fuel-filled vans that would be driven to the base and exploded. They say UK authorities recovered three vans bearing fuel-delivery-business decals and arrested the drivers.
CNN - UK police arrested seven men on suspicion of involvement in the plot; they were later released on stringent conditions after no explosives were found in the vans. CNN reports several were rearrested after British authorities cited a high likelihood of IRGC involvement.
CNN - Prosecutors allege Al-Saadi was already in federal custody while directing the plot. He pleaded not guilty to earlier charges and sought to represent himself.
WHERE:
CBS News - The alleged target was RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom.
CNN - Al-Saadi was held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. He was arrested while traveling in Turkey, according to CNN.
CBS News - Al-Saadi is in federal custody in New York.
WHEN:
CBS News - The Justice Department made the superseding indictment public on Tuesday; the alleged attack was planned for September.
CNN - The indictment was handed up by a New York grand jury on Tuesday. CNN says the vans approached the base in September and that several suspects were rearrested in late October.
CBS News - Prosecutors allege Al-Saadi asked his sister about the “work” in a July call and asked family members to give Al-Hassani money on Sept. 24; the alleged drivers went to the base on Sept. 26.
WHY:
CBS News - Prosecutors allege Al-Saadi was involved in attacks against US and Israeli interests in retaliation for US and Israeli military actions in Iran.
CNN - Prosecutors allege Al-Saadi described terrorist activity as “work” and used coded language to communicate instructions.
HOW:
CBS News - Prosecutors allege Al-Saadi directed UK associates to conduct surveillance, arrange vans and fuel barrels, research chemical accelerants, and buy metal intended as shrapnel. The vans were to use custom decals disguising them as fuel-delivery or pool-supply vehicles.
CBS News - The indictment alleges Al-Saadi’s family passed messages to his co-conspirators. In a call, his sister allegedly said the “work” “isn't cancelled.”
CNN - Prosecutors allege Al-Saadi used nicknames and coded calls to direct family members to transfer money; Al-Hassani allegedly ordered surveillance and procured vehicles and fuel.
(UPDATED November 11, 2026 02:02 UTC)
Three men are charged with plotting to attack RAF Fairford, a British base hosting American troops. Prosecutors allege they planned to use three fuel-filled vans, disguised as delivery vehicles. The accused ringleader, linked to Iran-backed groups, allegedly directed the plot from federal custody.