Marco Rubio reveals a foreign state was clearly behind the plot to hit a US bomber base in the UK, escalating global tensions
Sensitive target.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed on Monday, September 28, 2026, that a foreign state was clearly behind the plot to target a U.S. bomber base in the United Kingdom. This high-stakes development has escalated global tensions, especially given the current military climate. According to The Hill, Rubio shared these insights during an appearance on Hannity on the Fox News network.
Rubio described the situation as very serious, emphasizing that it involves the hands of a foreign actor. While he declined to provide extensive details, the implications are significant for international security. The incident unfolded near Royal Air Force Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, where five British nationals in their 20s were arrested on explosives and terror charges.
Local law enforcement took action after a farmer reported suspicious activity late Saturday night. The farmer noticed three large white vans parked near the base and observed a group of hooded and masked men running away. One of the vans reportedly displayed a fake telephone number, which naturally raised red flags. Authorities responded quickly to the alert, and the British government even held a national emergency meeting to discuss the threat.
Initial fears centered on potential explosive devices in the vehicles
However, a source familiar with the situation confirmed that the white vans did not contain viable explosives, per Reuters. Counterterrorism police later clarified that while no improvised explosive devices were recovered, they did find a quantity of petrol. The investigation remains ongoing as police search properties in London and process the scene near the base.
It is worth noting that this incident was not intelligence-led, meaning the suspects were not under direct surveillance before the farmer made the call. However, local reports suggest that security had been significantly beefed up at the base in the days leading up to the arrests. President Trump on Monday told reporters in the Oval Office that the federal government worked alongside the U.K. to manage the arrests, adding that the men were under view for a long time.
Trump expressed clear frustration regarding the decision by British authorities to release the five suspects on bail on Monday. He told reporters that he would not have done that, suggesting a disconnect between the U.S. and U.K. approaches to the suspects. Despite the release, the investigation is far from over, and the suspects must adhere to strict conditions while on bail.
The choice of target is particularly sensitive because RAF Fairford is a key operational hub for the U.S. military. The base is owned by the U.K. but is operated by American forces, and it has served as a launch point for B-52 and B-1 bombers involved in the U.S. military campaign against Iran. This seven-month conflict has seen the Iranian regime repeatedly threaten countries that assist the U.S. and carry out attacks on American bases throughout the Middle East.
The Iranian embassy in the UK issued a statement in response
In response to the speculation surrounding the incident, the Iranian embassy in the U.K. issued a statement on Monday. They categorically rejected and strongly condemned the recent unfounded and malicious speculations regarding the potential role of the Islamic Republic. Despite this denial, Rubio remains firm in his assessment of the threat landscape. He explained that the incident near RAF Fairford is tied to the reality of global threats against the U.S.
Rubio specifically pointed to Iran as an example of an element in the world that has openly threatened to attack American interests globally. He stressed that the U.S. will always take these threats very seriously and warned that there will be repercussions for such attempts.
Western governments have been increasingly concerned about hostile actors from countries like Iran and Russia organizing destabilizing activities or hiring proxies to carry out plots. Britain has been particularly vigilant, having raised its national terrorism threat level to its second-highest tier back in April.
The situation in Gloucestershire remains tense
Roadblocks and a large cordon have been maintained around the base for several days following the initial alarm. Residents who had been evacuated from nearby homes began returning as the investigation progressed, though police expected to keep investigative scenes closed through Wednesday.
Head of national counterterrorism policing Laurence Taylor acknowledged that the decision to release the suspects on bail might come as a surprise to many. He maintained that the move was an investigative decision grounded in experience and careful consideration of policing powers.
As the investigation continues, the focus will likely remain on whether these individuals were acting at the behest of a foreign state. The intersection of local terror concerns and international military operations makes this story a stark reminder of the complexities involved in protecting military assets abroad.
The government is treating the potential connection to a foreign actor as a top-tier security priority, given the direct link to the ongoing conflict. With the suspects under investigation and the global political temperature rising, the coming days will likely reveal more about the nature of this plot and the specific foreign involvement mentioned by the Secretary of State.
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