LONDON – Two foreign nationals are facing criminal charges following their alleged attempt to breach security at Britain’s primary nuclear submarine facility, according to Scottish authorities.
A 34-year-old Iranian citizen and a 31-year-old Romanian national were taken into custody Thursday after trying to gain unauthorized access to the highly secure naval installation, Police Scotland announced Saturday.
British news outlets have identified the pair as suspected intelligence operatives working for Iran.
The incident occurs during heightened tensions, coming three weeks after the start of military operations involving the United States and Israel against Iran. Though Britain has not directly participated in strikes against Iranian territory, British military forces have intercepted Iranian missiles and unmanned aircraft in Gulf waters.
The targeted facility, HM Naval Base Clyde, sits along Scotland’s western coastline and serves as a cornerstone of British national defense. The installation houses the nation’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines equipped with atomic weapons, along with conventional attack submarines.
Both defendants are scheduled to make their initial court appearance at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on March 23, according to Police Scotland officials.
