US Knew Iran-Linked Attack Was Possible in UK, Homeland Security Secretary Says
Markwayne Mullin stated that the U.S. had been collaborating with British officials and had provided intelligence about a potential threat targeting American assets.
The United States was aware that Iran or its proxies might attempt an attack on an American asset in the United Kingdom, according to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. His comments follow the arrest and subsequent release on bail of five men near a Royal Air Force base in England that hosts U.S. warplanes.
Mullin told Fox News that U.S. officials had been monitoring the situation with their British counterparts and had shared intelligence. "We were giving them a heads up," he said.
The arrests occurred early Sunday when British nationals, aged 23 to 25, were detained with three vans near RAF Fairford. Police reported the men were suspected of terrorism and explosives offenses, leading to speculation of a plot against the U.S. Air Force operations hub. A search of the suspects' vehicles reportedly found no improvised explosive devices.
On Thursday, the U.K. Counter Terrorism Policing unit announced the arrest of an additional man, described as a dual U.K./Iranian citizen, on suspicion of preparing for terrorist acts. Authorities also stated that a second man was questioned under caution and that two properties were searched as part of the ongoing investigation.
Mullin expressed his frustration with the release of the initial five suspects but assured that they remain under surveillance. "We -- as in our partners and us -- have eyes on these five individuals. We not going to let them slip through the cracks," he stated.
U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham had previously indicated that Iran "played a part" in the incident. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Aragachi denied involvement, stating, "I can confirm Iran's belief that releasing supposed terrorists working for foreign states really says it all. You're barking up the wrong tree."
President Donald Trump commented on the situation, saying the U.S. was studying it "very hard" and questioned the U.K.'s decision to release the individuals. "We caught them early and I'm trying to figure out if that's for real, if they actually did it," Trump said.