The United States has rapidly withdrawn all its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford after receiving intelligence about a potential Iran-supported terror threat, with the UK being alerted to the situation. Over the weekend, twelve B-1 bombers and their crews departed the Gloucestershire airbase urgently, while aerial refuelling aircraft were still being prepared to assist the journey, according to information from two US officials.
By Sunday, at least three bombers had landed at their home base in South Dakota. The Pentagon’s European Command confirmed the redeployment of bombers from the UK but declined to provide details about the intelligence that prompted the move.
In parallel, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) announced the release on bail of a sixth individual connected to incidents at RAF Fairford. The 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national had been arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Previously, five British nationals in their mid-20s were arrested on explosives and terrorism charges and later released on bail. Authorities reported spotting three suspicious vans near the military site the prior weekend.
A Pentagon official emphasised the routine nature of US Air Force bombers' global operations, stating that all bombers deployed to RAF Fairford have returned to their US bases. The official added that the bomber crews remain ready to deliver precise global strike capabilities at any time.
Senior CTP national co-ordinator Vicki Evans described the investigation as “hugely complex,” with specialist teams pursuing multiple lines of inquiry, including potential foreign state involvement. Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicated there were “strong indications” of Iran’s role in the incident.
Recently, RAF Fairford has hosted US bombers authorised by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to be used for defensive strikes against Tehran amid tensions in the Middle East.