British police arrested five men early Sunday near RAF Fairford, a UK airbase in western England that has been used by U.S. forces for strikes against Iranian targets.

The five British nationals, all in their early 20s and from London, were detained after a local farmer reported three suspicious white vans and hooded men near the base perimeter. Authorities charged them with offenses under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act. Bomb disposal teams examined the vans, and nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution. The men were released on bail Monday under strict conditions while the counterterrorism investigation continues.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News on Monday that the episode clearly involved a foreign actor. President Donald Trump praised the joint U.S.-UK effort, saying the suspects had been under long-term surveillance and intended significant damage to the base. Iranian officials denied any connection.

RAF Fairford serves as a forward operating location for U.S. bombers in the ongoing conflict with Iran. British officials are examining possible links to state actors amid heightened security at the site and related U.S. facilities. The incident highlights ongoing threats to military installations supporting operations against Iran