US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that “the hands of a foreign actor” were involved in a suspected terror plot targeting a British airbase used by the US military.
His comments revealed more details regarding the investigation than statements released by British authorities, who have faced criticism from US President Donald Trump over their handling of the case.
Speaking on Fox News, Marco Rubio emphasized the gravity of the incident:
“What happened this weekend could have been, and was, a very serious threat. It’s one that clearly involved the hands of a foreign actor, I won’t get into great detail about that yet.”
Five British men aged between 23 and 25 from the London area were arrested near RAF Fairford in western England—a strategic location from which US B-1 bombers have been conducting missions.
However, all five suspects were subsequently released on bail under stringent conditions, prompting public criticism from President Donald Trump: “I wouldn’t have done that. I know the answer, I can be very specific, but I’d rather not say it.”
While President Donald Trump suggested potential ties to Iran, Marco Rubio declined to provide specific details, though he highlighted broader regional threats: “I think it ties us to the reality here. We are dealing with elements in the world, and in the case of Iran for example, who have openly threatened to attack American interests globally.”
Tehran has strongly denied any involvement in the incident. Addressing concerns over the release of the suspects, Marco Rubio noted that British authorities have been “very cooperative and on top of it”.
Counter-terrorism police in the UK confirmed that the investigation remains active and that all five suspects remain subject to movement restrictions. Sources in British media reported that no explosives were discovered in the vehicles driven by the men, indicating that the immediate threat was mitigated. Under UK anti-terrorism legislation, police may hold suspects for up to 14 days before charging or releasing them on bail.
British officials have not publicly confirmed a foreign link. Downing Street declined an immediate response to President Donald Trump’s remarks, referring to official statements from law enforcement.
Senior Counter-Terrorism Police Officer Laurence Taylor confirmed that investigators are exploring all potential angles, “including that this may be actively committed by proxies or individuals either knowingly or unknowingly working on behalf of a foreign state.”
Following a emergency COBRA meeting chaired by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed that the scene is secure. Security cordons around three vehicles have been maintained, while approximately 85 evacuated households were permitted to return to their homes.
