Hundreds Protest at RAF Fairford Over US Operations Against Iran

Up to 200 protesters gathered at RAF Fairford, a UK base used by the US Air Force for operations against Iran, calling for an end to the conflict amid concerns over local disruption and global escalation.

Protest at RAF Base Used in Iran Conflict

Hundreds of individuals are demonstrating near a UK military base that the United States Air Force (USAF) is using to conduct operations against Iran.

Up to 200 people have assembled at RAF Fairford, located in Gloucestershire near the Wiltshire border, for a protest organized by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).

People have gathered on a street in a protest, holding flags and placards. — Up to 200 people have gathered for the protest near RAF Fairford

The base has been utilized to deploy US bombers since the Middle East conflict began on 28 February. Gloucestershire Police have advised residents to anticipate disruptions throughout Saturday.

Government and Military Response

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that the government has authorized the US to use British bases for specific and limited defensive operations.

RAF Fairford has seen increased activity since the US, alongside Israel, initiated operations against Iran.

Calls for Peace and Protest Details

The CND is advocating for an end to the war in Iran and urges Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to prevent US President Donald Trump from using British bases for these operations.

The protest commenced around 12:00 BST from Fairford High Street, with campaigners subsequently marching to RAF Fairford.

Many demonstrators filled the streets near the base, holding placards and images of children who have died in the conflict so far.

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Rows of pictures of children are placed on the floor and balanced against a stone wall. There are people around it. — A display was made for children killed in the conflict so far

Personal Impact and Voices

Matzi Ansari, 40, who was born in Iran and now resides in London, expressed concern for her family in Tehran, stating she has difficulty sleeping due to the situation.

A woman is wearing a scarf in the red, white and green colours of of Iran's flag. She is looking at the camera, with people wearing high visibility jackets walking behind her. — Iranian-born Matzi Ansari said she is worried about her family in Tehran

"Currently they're okay but... they're not sure what's happening to them tomorrow.

They're under massive stress. They don't have a normal life, they can't go to work and school.

[It's] a very horrible situation currently."

Lindsey German, representing the Stop the War Coalition, remarked that many people fear the conflict could escalate into a nuclear war.

"We're saying to the British government they shouldn't allow the US to use these air bases,"

the 74-year-old London resident said.

"There's a lot of feeling about it. People are very frightened about it."

Local Impact and Police Statement

Gloucestershire Highways announced that approximately a dozen roads will be closed between 11:00 and 17:00.

Residents have previously reported to the BBC that the noise from aircraft is so intense it sometimes causes their houses to shake.

A Gloucestershire Police spokesperson commented:

"While we will enable lawful peaceful protest, we must also balance peoples' rights of freedom of expression and assembly with those of the wider public to go about their personal and professional life without disruption.

As a result, we will not hesitate in taking action against anyone who commits any unlawful act."

Ministry of Defence Comments

An MoD spokesperson explained that requests from foreign partners to use UK military bases are "considered on a case-by-case basis, with all operational support to allies assessed against legal requirements."

They added, "For operational security reasons, we do not comment on foreign nations' military operations."