Rubio Says Foreign Actor Involved in Suspected Plot Against UK Base Used by US Forces

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a "foreign actor" played a role in a suspected terror plot aimed at a British airbase utilized by the American military. His remarks provided more information about the probe than British officials had released, after US President Donald Trump criticized the UK's handling of the matter. In an interview on Fox News, Rubio stressed how serious the situation had been: "What happened this weekend could have been, and was, a very serious threat. It's one that clearly involved the hands of a foreign actor, I won't get into great detail about that yet." Five men from the London area, all British and between the ages of 23 and 25, were taken into custody near RAF Fairford in western England. The site is strategically important and has been used for missions by US B-1 bombers. All five were later freed on bail with strict conditions. President Trump publicly criticized that outcome: "I wouldn't have done that. I know the answer, I can be very specific, but I'd rather not say it." Trump hinted at possible Iranian involvement, while Rubio avoided specifics. Rubio instead pointed to wider regional dangers: "I think it ties us to the reality here. We are dealing with elements in the world, and in the case of Iran for example, who have openly threatened to attack American interests globally." Iran has rejected any connection to the case. On the suspects' release, Rubio said British authorities had been "very cooperative and on top of it." UK counter-terrorism police said the investigation is still ongoing and that the five suspects remain under movement restrictions. British media sources reported that no explosives were found in the vehicles the men had been driving, suggesting the immediate danger had been reduced. Under UK anti-terrorism law, police can detain suspects for as long as 14 days before charging them or releasing them on bail. British officials have not publicly confirmed any foreign link. Downing Street did not immediately respond to Trump's comments, instead pointing to statements from law enforcement. Senior Counter-Terrorism Police Officer Laurence Taylor said investigators are considering every possibility, "including that this may be actively committed by proxies or individuals either knowingly or unknowingly working on behalf of a foreign state." After an emergency COBRA meeting chaired by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the scene is secure. Security cordons around three vehicles remained in place, and about 85 evacuated households were allowed to return home.