Trump questions UK release of five suspects in RAF Fairford case

US President Donald Trump has questioned Britain’s decision to release on bail five men arrested near RAF Fairford over an alleged plot to attack the airbase, saying he “would not have done that”.

“I’m surprised that they released them, I wouldn’t have done that,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday. He added that British authorities had worked “very closely” with the United States and said: “We know everything about them. We would not have released them.”

Asked whether the case could be linked to Iran, Trump said: “It might,” but declined to provide details.

The five British men, all from London and in their 20s, were arrested early Sunday after three vans were reported near the Gloucestershire airbase, which is used by the US Air Force. They were initially detained over suspected explosives offences and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.

British counter-terrorism police said the men remain under investigation and are subject to “stringent” bail conditions. Investigators are examining possible links to a foreign state, while Iran has denied involvement.