Rubio says UK airbase incident involved a foreign state

US state secretary Marco Rubio stated that foreign actors were involved in the arrest of five men on suspected explosives and terrorism charges near RAF Fairford, a British airbase used by US forces to target Iran. British police declared a major incident at the base and held a national emergency meeting following the arrests on Sunday.

However, the suspects were later released on bail, but the investigation continued, with authorities examining potential involvement of individuals acting for a foreign state. Police did not initially suspect the men of possessing viable explosives, as the three large white vans they were seen traveling in were not found to contain any.

The police response was not intelligence-led, indicating the suspects were not under direct surveillance. Security at the base was reportedly heightened following the incident, suggesting it may have been targeted. US President Donald Trump suggested the incident might be connected to Iran, the country with which the US is at war since late February. Iran denied any involvement in the incident at RAF Fairford.