U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has asserted that a foreign government or entity was involved in a supposed terror plot targeting RAF Fairford, an air base located in the southwest of England.
Rubio's statements, while refraining from disclosing specific details, go beyond what British authorities have publicly acknowledged, according to a report by CNN.
"This clearly involved a foreign actor's hand; I won't delve into many details yet," Rubio expressed during a Fox News interview on Monday night, adding that "much more will be revealed about this."
The incident unfolded early Sunday morning when a local resident alerted police after spotting three white vans parked in an "unusual formation" about 100 meters from the base's perimeter fence.
Five men—British citizens aged between 23 and 25, all from the London area—were arrested on suspicion of possessing explosives and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
Around 85 homes in the vicinity were evacuated. Aerial footage showed a bomb disposal robot maneuvering among the vans, and media crews reported hearing two controlled explosions in the area.
The five suspects were released on bail with stringent movement restrictions on Monday, prompting criticism from President Donald Trump: "I wouldn't have done that." Trump also hinted at an Iranian connection from the Oval Office: "I know the answer, I can be very specific, but I'd rather not say."
Rubio was more forthright in linking the incident to the Iranian threat: "I think this connects us to reality. We're dealing with elements in the world—and, for instance, with Iran—that have openly threatened to attack U.S. interests globally."
Iran denied any involvement. Its embassy in London condemned "the recent unfounded and malicious speculations" attempting to link it to the arrests.
However, back in July, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had already warned that "any base used to attack Iranian territory constitutes a legitimate target for our forces," explicitly mentioning Fairford.
The base gained significant strategic importance this year after then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized U.S. "defensive operations" against Iranian missile facilities.
Since March, B-1B Lancer and B-52H bombers have launched from there for missions against Iran, with 18 aircraft deployed between the sixth and 13th of that month.
Rubio's comments are part of a broader pattern of threats against Western interests.
The CIA recently warned of a potential Russian maritime drone attack on Spain, and back in August, Iran was considering striking U.S. targets in Europe.
Rubio has also pointed to Cuba as a base for operations by adversaries of Washington, and Trump has warned about potential Iranian drones stored on the island.
British counterterrorism police, led by Laurence Taylor, stated that the investigation considers "the possibility that it was actively committed by proxies or individuals working, knowingly or unknowingly, on behalf of a foreign state."
Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired an emergency COBRA committee meeting on Monday, and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood declared that "the area is now secure."
Rubio concluded his remarks with a stark warning: "What happened this weekend could have been, and was, a very serious threat," promising "consequences" if Washington's adversaries attempt to target U.S. interests anywhere in the world.
Understanding the Alleged Terror Plot at RAF Fairford
What was the supposed terror plot at RAF Fairford?
The plot involved the arrest of five British citizens suspected of possessing explosives and preparing a terrorist act near RAF Fairford air base in England.
What did Marco Rubio claim about the incident?
Marco Rubio claimed that a foreign government or entity was involved in the alleged plot, suggesting a connection to broader international threats, particularly from Iran.
How did Iran respond to the allegations?
Iran denied any involvement in the plot, condemning the speculations as unfounded and malicious.