US Rushes 12 B-1 Bombers Out of UK Base Over Suspected Iran-Backed Threat

The United States has rapidly withdrawn 12 B-1 bomber aircraft from RAF Fairford in southern England following new security warnings about a suspected Iran-backed plot targeting the military installation, according to US officials cited by The New York Times.

The withdrawal took place over the weekend and was described as highly unusual because the aircraft were moved from an allied base thousands of miles from an active combat zone with exceptional speed.

The New York Times reported that the urgency was such that some of the B-1 bombers and their crews departed before aerial-refuelling aircraft needed to support their flights back to the United States had been fully positioned. At least three of the bombers had reached their home base in South Dakota by Sunday, according to the officials.

The Pentagon subsequently confirmed that all US bombers deployed to RAF Fairford had returned to their home stations in the United States. It did not publicly confirm that the withdrawal was specifically triggered by an Iranian threat, citing operational-security concerns.

“US Air Force bombers routinely operate around the world to support global force readiness and operational requirements,” a Pentagon official said, adding that American bomber crews remained ready to conduct missions from bases in the continental United States.

The US bomber force at Fairford included B-1 aircraft, while the Pentagon’s statement also referred to B-2 and B-52 bombers as part of America’s wider strategic bomber capability. However, the dozen aircraft at the centre of the latest withdrawal were B-1B Lancers.

The sudden departure came about a week after British authorities launched a counter-terrorism investigation following the arrest of five men near RAF Fairford. Police had responded to suspicious vans close to the base and found petrol in the vehicles, although no explosive devices were discovered. The five men were subsequently released on bail.

A sixth person, a 25-year-old dual British-Iranian national, was later arrested in London on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts. He was also released on bail as investigators continued examining the incident.

British counter-terrorism authorities have said they are considering all possible explanations, including potential involvement by a foreign state. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said there are strong indications that Iran was involved, while Tehran has denied responsibility.

RAF Fairford has played an important role in US military operations involving Iran. The Gloucestershire base has been used by American bombers to conduct missions against Iranian targets and has served as a major forward operating location for US strategic aircraft in Europe.

The base’s use by US bombers has also previously drawn threats from Iran. During the conflict, Iranian officials and state-linked media described bases used to launch attacks against Iran as legitimate targets.

The withdrawal nevertheless does not mean the United States has lost the ability to conduct long-range bomber operations against Iran or elsewhere. The Pentagon stressed that B-1, B-2 and B-52 crews remain prepared to carry out global missions from US bases.

The development comes as the United States continues to assess its military posture toward Iran. President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington is considering further action, while US forces have maintained a significant military presence in the Middle East.

For now, British authorities continue to investigate the suspected plot around RAF Fairford, while the United States has moved its remaining bombers away from the installation. Neither the Pentagon nor British authorities have publicly disclosed the specific intelligence that prompted the rapid withdrawal.