At a Glance

• The United States has withdrawn all 12 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Britain and returned them to their home stations in the U.S.
• The Pentagon said the aircraft remain capable of conducting long-range missions from the United States.
• The move follows the arrest of six people in connection with a suspected terrorist plot targeting the base and U.S. personnel.
• British authorities are investigating possible Iranian involvement; Tehran denies the allegations.

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The United States has withdrawn all 12 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in western England amid security concerns following a suspected terrorist plot targeting the U.S.-used base.

The Pentagon confirmed the bombers have returned to their home stations in the United States, while saying the aircraft remain ready to conduct long-range missions.

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Key Statements

“All of the B-1 bombers that were deployed at RAF Fairford have returned to their home stations in the United States.”

— U.S. Department of Defense, as reported by Reuters

“There are strong indications that Iran played a part in what happened over the weekend at RAF Fairford.”

— UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham

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B-1 Bombers Return To US

The Pentagon confirmed that the B-1 bombers previously stationed at RAF Fairford have been redeployed to their U.S. bases.

The aircraft had been used in U.S. military operations against Iran. Their withdrawal does not mean they have been removed from operational readiness, with the Pentagon saying they remain capable of conducting long-range strikes from U.S. territory.

Security Concerns At Fairford

The withdrawal follows a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford, which hosts U.S. military assets.

British authorities initially arrested five British men near the base after suspicious vehicles were reported. A sixth suspect, a dual British-Iranian national, was later arrested in London. All six have subsequently been released on bail as the investigation continues.

British police have said no viable explosives were found, although investigators discovered petrol in vehicles linked to the suspects.

Possible Iranian Connection

The investigation is examining whether the suspected plot was connected to a foreign state.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” that Iran played a role. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has separately referred to the involvement of a “foreign actor.”

The Wall Street Journal has reported that U.S. officials were aware of an alleged Iran-linked plan targeting the bombers and personnel at Fairford. However, the specific allegations remain part of an ongoing investigation.

Iran has rejected the allegations and denied involvement.

FYI

The withdrawal removes a significant U.S. bomber presence from RAF Fairford, a base that has played an important role in American long-range operations involving Iran. The Pentagon's confirmation that the aircraft remain ready for missions from the United States indicates that the move is primarily a change in basing rather than an announced reduction in U.S. strike capability.

The security investigation also carries broader implications for Britain, particularly because the suspected plot is being examined for possible foreign-state involvement. While British officials have pointed to indications of an Iranian role, that allegation has not been publicly established as a proven fact, and Iran continues to deny it.

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