US Warns of 'Foreign Actor' Involvement in UK Terror Plot Near American Base

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford, a base used by American forces, "clearly involves the hand of a foreign actor." The comments came amid controversy over the release of five British men, all in their twenties and from London, who were detained on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offenses.

Speaking in a television interview, Rubio mentioned Iran by name, noting that the regime has previously threatened to target U.S. interests. However, he stopped short of directly blaming Tehran for the incident. Iran has 'categorically' denied any involvement, dismissing the suggestion as a 'slur.' Former President Donald Trump also expressed surprise at the release of the five men, suggesting they may have been known to authorities.

Rubio described the events as a "very serious situation" and thanked British authorities for their "cooperative and helpful" response. He acknowledged that many were disturbed by the decision to grant bail to the suspects, who were arrested early Sunday morning after three vans were found near the Gloucestershire air base.

Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed the men remain under investigation. Residents from approximately 85 evacuated households were allowed to return home on Monday, though a police cordon remained in place around the vehicles. Initial reports suggested the possibility of a large vehicle bomb, but testing has since indicated that the material found was not viable explosives. Police are continuing to investigate all angles, including the potential involvement of hostile states or proxies.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor of Counter Terrorism Policing stated that the five men were released on police bail with stringent conditions, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing. He confirmed that officers are exploring "multiple lines of inquiry."

In response to the allegations, Iran's embassy in London issued a statement rejecting any involvement and calling reports linking Tehran to the arrests "unfounded and malicious speculations." The embassy further stated that such narratives serve only to fuel "Iranophobia propaganda" and reserved the right to take legal measures against misleading media narratives.