Trump and Rubio question U.K. handling of possible plot against air base after 5 men released on bail
Updated on: September 29, 2026 / 7:38 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Five British men in their mid-20s were arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act near RAF Fairford but were subsequently released on bail.
- U.S. President Trump expressed surprise at the release, stating he would not have released them and suggested a possible link to Iran.
- Senator Marco Rubio also voiced concern over the release and suggested foreign involvement.
- Speculation in some media, citing security sources, suggests the men might have been involved in stealing fuel, a crime reportedly on the rise.
- British police confirmed no explosives or viable devices were found, and noted the activity might be by proxies working for a foreign state.
- Iran has denied any involvement and condemned attempts to link it to the incident.
- Similar incidents in Europe have been linked to Iran and Russia outsourcing sabotage through recruitment of individuals, sometimes unaware of their employers.
- An arson attack in Estonia was attributed to Russian security services.