President Donald Trump on Monday expressed astonishment that British authorities freed on bail five men detained a day earlier in connection with a suspected terrorist plot targeting a U.S.-operated air base in the United Kingdom.
“I would’ve said don’t let them have bail. … I’m surprised that they released them. I wouldn’t have done that,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
The five suspects, described as British nationals in their 20s from London, were taken into custody Sunday on explosives and terrorism charges near RAF Fairford in southern England. Police acted after three vans were observed outside the installation late Saturday night. However, British authorities announced Monday that the men had been released on bail while the investigation continues.
Laurence Taylor, who leads Britain’s counterterrorism policing, said detectives are examining the incident “from every possible angle, including that this may be actively committed by proxies or individuals, either knowingly or unknowingly, working on behalf of a foreign state.” He declined to say whether explosives were discovered in any of the vehicles and did not take questions.
The episode has strained transatlantic counterterrorism cooperation and raised questions about the security of U.S. assets abroad. Trump had claimed on Sunday that Washington and London worked hand-in-hand to apprehend the suspects, asserting they had been “under view for a long time” and intended to cause “big damage” to the base. On Monday, he reiterated that the U.K. cooperated “very closely” with the U.S. and that “we know everything about them,” even as British officials indicated the arrests followed a farmer’s call about suspicious vehicles.
Asked whether Iran was behind the incident, Trump replied, “Might be,” but offered no further details. Tehran has denied any role, with its London embassy issuing a statement that it “categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations.”
The context is combustible: American B-52 and B-1 bombers have launched missions to Iran from RAF Fairford since the U.S.-Israel joint war began in February. Tehran has repeatedly threatened nations aiding Washington in the conflict, fueling speculation about possible Iranian involvement in the Fairford activity. The war, now in its seventh month with no clear end, has driven up energy costs and closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil chokepoint.
Trump said Saturday he rejected Iran’s recent seven-day proposal to reopen the strait and enter a ceasefire, and is weighing renewed military strikes after November’s midterm elections. In the Oval Office, he noted that the U.S. had communicated with Iran through mediators on Monday but declined to disclose the substance of those talks.
The bail decision has intensified scrutiny of the UK’s handling of the case, with critics questioning whether releasing the suspects could compromise an active investigation. British officials have not commented on the bail terms or whether the men are subject to travel restrictions or electronic monitoring.
As the probe widens, the incident underscores the delicate balance between civil liberties and security in terror cases, and the high stakes for U.S.-UK relations amid a broader regional conflict. The White House has not indicated whether it will seek extradition or other measures if charges are filed.
