U.S. President Donald Trump expressed surprise at the release of five British nationals arrested in connection with an alleged terror plot at RAF Fairford, a U.S. air base in Gloucestershire. The suspects were released on bail on September 28, 2026, following their arrest on September 27. Trump criticized the decision, stating he would not have released them, though he praised U.S.-U.K. cooperation on the matter.

The incident occurred after Gloucestershire police received a call at 4 a.m. about three suspicious vehicles near the base, which is used by U.S. forces for strikes on Iran. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested a foreign actor was involved, but the Iranian Embassy in London denied any role in the alleged plot. The suspects, all men in their twenties, were arrested under the Explosives Act and later the Terrorism Act, and remain under investigation.

Lawrence Taylor, head of U.K. Counterterrorism Policing, confirmed the suspects were released under conditions, including restrictions on movement and contact. He also noted the possibility that the activity may have been carried out by proxies acting on behalf of a foreign state. UK law allows for the release of suspects on police bail before formal charges are filed.

Labour’s Deputy Leader Lucy Powell defended the police’s decision, stating she trusts their judgment on bail. Residents of Whelford village, which was evacuated during the investigation, were allowed to return home on Monday. No official confirmation has been provided regarding the nature of the alleged plot or the extent of foreign involvement.

Trump’s comments suggest he believes the suspects should not have been released, though he did not specify the reasons. He also hinted that the incident may be connected to Iran, though he declined to confirm. The U.S. and U.K. have not issued a joint statement on the matter, and no official response from the suspects’ legal representatives has been made public.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with the UK air base serving as a key strategic location. However, the lack of confirmed details about the alleged plot and the involvement of foreign actors means the situation remains under investigation. The UK authorities have not provided further information on the suspects’ backgrounds or the nature of the alleged plan. As such, the full context of the incident remains unclear, and further developments are expected.