What We Know About 5 British Nationals Suspected In Terrorist Plot Near Us Airbase England Raf Fairford Suspicious Vehicles Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Motive Investigation President Donald Trump Iran War

(TNND) — British authorities are still piecing together what prompted the arrest of five men suspected of preparing a terrorist act near RAF Fairford, a U.S.-used airbase in England, after reports of suspicious vehicles in the area.

Metropolitan Police said officers detained the men Sunday after receiving a call three suspicious vehicles that appeared to be traveling toward the Gloucestershire base.

Investigation continues as police pursue new leads

Counter Terrorism Policing said Monday that specially trained investigators examined the scene overnight, developing multiple new lines of inquiry.

The five men — all British nationals and London residents between ages 23 and 25 — were arrested on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act, police said.

They will be released on bail while the counterterrorism investigation continues, according to officials . No charges have been announced, and authorities have not identified a motive or confirmed any connection to Iran.

"To be very clear, this does not mean the investigation is over," Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said. "They are subject to stringent conditions on their movement and with others."

President Donald Trump said during an announcement a steel plant in Iowa that he was “surprised” British authorities released the suspects on bail, telling reporters in the Oval Office, “I wouldn’t have done that.”

Police said they are working to establish the full circumstances of the men’s activity, including what they knew and what may have motivated the incident.

A cordon remains in place near the base and will be reviewed later Monday. Police and military personnel also remain at the scene, with officials asking residents for patience as the investigation continues.

Why RAF Fairford matters

RAF Fairford has been used by American bombers for strictly limited strikes against Iran under an agreement with former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has voiced opposition to the war.

Trump praised those involved in the arrests.

“It was an amazing job. We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort. And working with the British worked out great,” he told reporters in Chicago. “We had them under view for a long time and we got them.”

Officials urge caution on motive

British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said Monday that the investigation was “well under way” but declined to operational details.

Streeting thanked an anonymous farmer who called in the threat after seeing “hooded and masked” men and vans early Sunday, but told BBC Radio 4 the caller had only “a partial picture” of the situation.

Asked possible Iranian involvement, Streeting said he was not “drawing a connection with Iran,” while adding, “We know that Iran and their proxies wish to do us harm.”

Iran’s Embassy in London on Monday denied any role in the incident , calling speculation linking Tehran to the five suspects “unfounded and malicious.” The embassy said the claims would fuel “Iranophobia propaganda” in the U.K. and said Iran reserved the right to pursue legal action over what it called misleading media narratives.

Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans also warned against speculation a possible motive or geopolitical connections, saying investigators need time and space to “work carefully and clearly.”