U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says a foreign actor was involved in a security incident near a British airbase used by U.S. forces for operations against Iran.
Five British men in their 20s were arrested early Sunday near RAF Fairford in western England on suspicion of terrorism and explosives-related offenses.
British counterterrorism police later released the men on bail while the investigation continues. Authorities are examining whether anyone involved was acting on behalf of a foreign state.
Rubio described the incident as “a very serious situation” and said it involved “the hands of a foreign actor,” but he did not identify the country or provide evidence publicly supporting the claim.
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the incident could be linked to Iran. Iran has denied any involvement.
No explosives found
The arrests followed a report from a local farmer who spotted three white vans and several masked men near the airbase.
Police searched the vans and found no improvised explosive devices, although a quantity of petrol was recovered. Properties in London were also searched.
A security cordon remained around the airbase as police continued their investigation.
The five suspects are all British nationals from London and must comply with strict bail conditions.
Laurence Taylor, head of national counterterrorism policing, defended the decision to release them, saying it was based on experience and careful consideration of police powers.
RAF Fairford is a strategically important U.S.-linked airbase in Britain and has been used by American bombers for military operations in the Middle East.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and broader concerns in Britain over foreign-backed or proxy activity.
British authorities have not publicly identified any foreign state as being behind the incident.
