United States withdraws B-1 bombers from UK air base following security threat

The United States has withdrawn its B-1 bomber fleet from RAF Fairford in southern England following a security incident in late September. The Pentagon confirmed that all deployed aircraft have returned to their home bases in the United States. The withdrawal occurred one week after British authorities arrested six men—five British nationals at the scene and one dual British-Iranian citizen days later—on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. While police found no explosives in the three suspicious vehicles intercepted near the base, they discovered quantities of fuel, and the suspects were subsequently released on bail.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated there are strong indications of Iranian involvement in the alleged plot, a claim Tehran has categorically denied. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported that Israeli intelligence shared information with London regarding the potential threat. The tension follows earlier threats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, who designated the base a legitimate target in July following its use in US strikes on Iran. Although the suspects remain out on bail, a NATO source indicated that the threat level to US assets in the UK remains acute as the investigation continues.