UK police release five men arrested over US airbase incident on bail, Trump slams move, says 'I wouldn't have done that'

On Monday, US President Donald Trump expressed his surprise that British police had released five men arrested near an American airbase in England on bail, following a suspected bomb plot. The men, all London-based British citizens in their mid-20s, were apprehended early Sunday near RAF Fairford, a base from which US bombers have operated against Iran since March. British counter-terrorism police stated that the five individuals were being investigated to determine if a foreign state was involved.

When asked directly if the case was linked to Iran, Trump declined to provide specifics, stating, "I would not have released them," indicating his disagreement with the decision made by British authorities. The president added that he knew the answer to the question but chose not to disclose it at that moment. Despite his lack of detail, Trump affirmed that British authorities had worked closely with the United States, adding, "We know everything about them."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also commented on the situation late Monday via Fox News, stating that the case "clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor" and that there would be more information released in the coming days. However, he too did not offer specifics, emphasizing that the matter was a serious one and had been handled appropriately. Iran has denied any involvement in the alleged plot targeting the airbase.