A man identified as Iranian has been arrested alongside a woman after attempting to gain access to a major UK naval facility that houses the country’s nuclear submarine fleet.
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Police Scotland said the 34-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were detained at around 17:00 on Thursday. Authorities confirmed the man’s nationality, while the woman is not believed to be Iranian.
Attempted Entry And Arrest
According to the Royal Navy, the pair “unsuccessfully attempted” to enter the base. It is understood they did not try to force entry but instead requested access, which was refused. They were arrested shortly afterwards.
Police said investigations are ongoing, and officials have not released further details about the circumstances or possible motives behind the incident.
A Royal Navy spokesperson declined to comment further, citing the active inquiry.
Heightened Security Concerns
The arrests come at a time of increased tensions following military strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran, and subsequent retaliatory actions across the region.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the government was reviewing the national terrorism threat level, which currently stands at “substantial”, indicating that an attack is considered likely.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said security measures for British military bases and personnel had been raised to their highest level, although it remains unclear whether this applies to domestic facilities as well as overseas deployments.
Strategic Importance Of Faslane
Faslane is the central hub of the UK’s nuclear deterrent. It is home to the Royal Navy’s fleet of Vanguard-class submarines, which carry Trident ballistic missiles.
The site also hosts Astute-class submarines, which are nuclear-powered but conventionally armed. Nearby, the Royal Naval Armaments Depot at Coulport stores the country’s nuclear warheads.
The UK has maintained a continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent since 1969, ensuring that at least one submarine is always on patrol.
Longstanding Protest Site
The base has been a focal point for anti-nuclear activism for decades. A permanent peace camp has existed outside Faslane since 1982, originally established in opposition to the deployment of the Trident missile system.
Activists continue to hold demonstrations and vigils at the site, campaigning against nuclear weapons.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not indicated whether the incident is linked to wider geopolitical tensions, and no charges have yet been announced.
Police Scotland said inquiries remain ongoing as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attempted entry.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 March 2026