Rubio: Foreign actor behind UK base bomb plot near London

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News that a foreign actor was clearly involved in the foiled car-bomb plot near RAF Fairford, the British air base outside London used by American forces to launch strikes on Iran.

"What almost happened in Britain over the weekend is a very serious situation. This is a situation that clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor," Rubio said. "I think it connects us to the reality that we are dealing with actors in the world," he added, pointing to suspected Iranian involvement.

"Iran has openly threatened to attack American interests around the world. We will always take that very seriously. There will be consequences if this ever happens or is even attempted," the Secretary of State warned.

Rubio said he has extensive information on the incident that he cannot yet share publicly. "There is a lot more news that will come out on this in the coming days, but there is a limit to what I can say right now," he said.

Five people were arrested in Britain on suspicion of attempting to detonate a car bomb near RAF Fairford. Gloucestershire Police said the suspects were arrested on explosives offences, and that a British Army bomb-disposal team examined vehicles in the area. Local residents were evacuated.

The Telegraph reported that investigators are examining several possible motives behind the incident, including a possible Russian operation or an Islamist conspiracy. However, an Iranian motive is currently considered most likely. Sources involved in the investigation told the Telegraph that Iranian agents are probably directly involved in planning the attack.

The Daily Mail published additional details on the dramatic foiled attack. According to the report, a local resident made an emergency call reporting suspicious men near several vans close to the base perimeter. In a search of the vehicles, police found ignition devices ready for use and chemical explosives.

The group was filmed shirtless and handcuffed, leading police to fear they were wearing explosive belts on their bodies. Armed police and an Army bomb-disposal unit were called to the scene, and a police bomb-disposal robot was seen examining the vans.

As a result of the unusual incident, security forces evacuated approximately 85 homes in the area and moved residents to a nearby leisure centre. RAF Fairford houses the 501st Combat Support Wing headquarters and the 420th Air Base Squadron of the United States. The base serves as "the forward operating location of choice for bombers in Europe for the US Air Force Global Strike Command."

It should be noted that Iran's Revolutionary Guards have previously warned Britain that the base would be in their sights if US bombers continue to fly from it. In recent days, security measures at Fairford have been significantly increased, with roadblocks and armed police deployed in the area to prevent access to it.