Donald Trump expresses surprise over release of terror suspects linked to UK air base plot

UPDATE - follow-up to Trump 'surprised' U.K. air base terror suspects out on bail: U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he is surprised by the release on bail of five British men arrested over an alleged plot at the RAF Fairford air base in Gloucestershire.

The Arrests And Investigation

The five men, all in their twenties, were arrested on Sunday, September 27, 2026, after Gloucestershire police received a 4 a.m. call regarding three suspicious vehicles near the base, which U.S. forces use for strikes on Iran. The suspects were initially held under the Explosives Act and later under the Terrorism Act. Lawrence Taylor, head of U.K. Counterterrorism Policing, confirmed the men remain suspects and were released on Monday, September 28, with strict conditions on their movement and contacts. Mr. Taylor also noted that police are exploring whether proxies might have acted knowingly or unknowingly for a foreign state.

Reactions And Foreign Links

Mr. Trump told reporters he was surprised by the release, stating that the U.S. would not have freed them, though he praised U.K. authorities for working closely with America. When asked about ties to Iran, Mr. Trump remarked that it might be connected and that he knows who is involved but prefers not to say. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that a foreign actor was clearly involved. In response, the Iranian Embassy in London categorically rejected any suggestion that it planned an attack on the base. Meanwhile, Labour Deputy Leader Lucy Powell defended the decision on Tuesday, September 29, stating she trusts the police regarding bail choices under the U.K. system. Residents of nearby Whelford village, evacuated on Sunday morning, were permitted to return home on Monday.

Context

Police bail allows authorities to release suspects while investigations continue before any formal charges are filed. RAF Fairford is a key military installation in Gloucestershire historically used by allied forces for strategic air operations.