Trump Questions UK Release of Five RAF Fairford Suspects Possibly Linked to Iran

WASHINGTON, Sept 28: US President Donald Trump said Monday that British police should not have released on bail five men arrested near RAF Fairford over a suspected bomb plot, saying the case “might be” linked to Iran.

“I’m surprised that they released them. I wouldn’t have done that,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. He said British authorities had worked “very closely” with the United States, adding: “We know everything about them. We would not have released them.”

The five men, all London-based British nationals in their 20s, were arrested early Sunday near RAF Fairford in southwest England on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences. British counter-terrorism police said Monday that they had been released on police bail following extensive interviews and inquiries, but stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that the suspects are subject to strict conditions on their movements and contact with others.

British police are also investigating whether the alleged activity could have been carried out on behalf of a foreign state. Asked directly whether Iran was involved, Trump replied: “It might be.”

Pressed for details, Trump declined to elaborate, saying: “I know the answer, I could be very specific, but I’d rather not say.”

RAF Fairford is used by the US military and has been involved in US operations against Iran since March. The arrests followed a tip about three suspicious vehicles travelling toward the base. British authorities have not publicly established an Iranian connection to the suspects.