“Surprised” Trump on Britain releasing on bail suspects held near base used in Iran strikes: “Could be Iran-related”

U.S. President Donald Trump said he was “surprised” that British police released on bail the five men arrested near RAF Fairford air base, from which American bombers have flown toward Iran since March, adding that the case “could be” linked to Iran — without giving details. His statement, as Al Jazeera reports, was made in the Oval Office, where Trump said British authorities have worked “very closely” with the U.S. on the matter.

“I’m surprised they released them; I wouldn’t have done that,” Trump told reporters, adding: “We know everything about them. We wouldn’t have released them.” He also said the case “could be” linked to Iran, but declined to give details.

The five men — all British nationals residing in London, in their twenties — were arrested a day earlier near the Royal Air Force base at Fairford in southwest England on suspicion of a bomb plot. British counter-terrorism police announced they were released on bail, while investigators are examining whether a “foreign state” may be involved.

Iran has denied any involvement in any plot against the base. The arrests came amid high tension, with Washington considering resuming strikes on Iran and Tehran warning it is ready to respond to any new aggression.