UK authorities investigate possible foreign links after five men bailed in Fairford terror probe

Five men in their 20s were detained near the U.S.-operated RAF Fairford air base in England after three vans were reported in the countryside on Sunday. They were later charged with suspected explosives offences and preparing an act of terrorism, but were released on bail on Monday under strict conditions while investigations continue.

Counter-terrorism officials said they are pursuing "multiple lines of inquiry," including whether the suspects acted as proxies for a foreign state such as Iran or Russia, or were linked to non-state militant groups. Laurence Taylor, head of U.K. Counter Terrorism Policing, said the inquiry includes the possibility that the alleged offences were carried out "by proxies or individuals, either knowingly or unknowingly, working on behalf of a foreign state."

The Iranian Embassy in London rejected any involvement, describing speculation about the incident as "unfounded and malicious." Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the area was declared safe after the army’s explosive ordnance disposal team used a robot to examine the vans, allowing residents of 85 homes in Whelford to return. Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a COBRA emergency committee meeting to review the case.

The arrests followed a report from a local farmer who observed three oddly parked vans and a group of men with covered faces near the base. British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting praised the farmer’s call to police.

U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, said the suspects had been under surveillance for some time, though British police said the operation was triggered by the farmer’s tip. The U.S. Air Force confirmed its personnel at RAF Fairford remain vigilant but declined to detail security measures.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband described the incident as a reminder of the threats facing the United Kingdom and reiterated that Britain will not tolerate intimidation or hostile activity on its soil.