By Gabriel Ameh
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said a “foreign actor” was involved in a suspected terror plot targeting the area around RAF Fairford, a British airbase used by US military aircraft.
Rubio made the disclosure as British authorities continued investigating five men arrested near the base in Gloucestershire, western England.
Speaking to Fox News, Rubio described the incident as a serious potential threat and said there was more information about the case that had not yet been made public.
He said the suspected plot “clearly involved the hands of a foreign actor,” but declined to identify the country or provide further details.
Five suspects arrested
British police arrested five men early on September 27 after receiving a report about suspicious vehicles near the airbase.
The suspects, all reportedly British nationals in their 20s from the London area, were initially detained on suspicion of explosives-related offences and later questioned over suspected preparation of a terrorist act.
Three vans were found in the area, prompting bomb disposal teams to carry out searches and establish a security cordon.
About 85 nearby households were evacuated as a precaution during the operation. Residents were later allowed to return home after authorities said the area was safe.
The five men were subsequently released on bail but remain under investigation. British counter-terrorism authorities stressed that their release did not mean the investigation had ended.
Iran connection not confirmed
The investigation has generated speculation about a possible Iranian connection because RAF Fairford has been used by US forces for long-range bombing missions against Iran.
US President Donald Trump also suggested the suspects might be connected to Iran, but British authorities have not publicly confirmed such a link.
Iran has strongly denied involvement in the incident.
CNN reported that British counter-terrorism officials were considering several possibilities, including whether individuals could have been acting knowingly or unknowingly on behalf of a foreign state.
Rubio’s comments went further by publicly saying a foreign actor was involved, although he stopped short of identifying that actor.
Investigation continues
The incident began after a local resident reportedly alerted police to suspicious activity involving three vehicles near the base.
Armed officers responded and arrested the five suspects, while bomb disposal personnel examined the vehicles.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have yet to publicly establish the suspects’ motive or confirm who, if anyone, may have directed their activities.
RAF Fairford remains an important base for US military operations, making the incident a significant security concern for both Britain and the United States.
Source: CNN reporting and British police statements, September 27–29, 2026.
