The United States has removed its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford, a British air base, following a suspected Iranian plot. The base, located 90 miles west of London, was recently used by the US Air Force to carry out strikes on Iran. Five men were arrested nearby on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts, which British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said was likely backed by Iran. The incident led to a major security response, including the evacuation of dozens of homes in the surrounding area.
The five men, all British nationals in their 20s, were arrested after being seen running into fields from three white vans parked near the base. Police found a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices. The men have been released on bail, and the incident remains largely unexplained. A sixth man, a dual UK-Iranian national, was also arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts and has been released on bail. Iran has denied any involvement in the plot, with its foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, stating that accusations against the country are baseless.
RAF Fairford has historically played a key role in previous US campaigns in the Middle East. The base is one of the US Air Force's only European airfields suitable for heavy bombers. During the current conflict, the US had permission to use Fairford to strike Iranian missile sites that were attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The base's role in US operations has made it a target, with Iran's Revolutionary Guards stating in late July that the base was a legitimate target.
The US bombers, which had been stationed at RAF Fairford since September 28, have returned to their home bases in the US. A Pentagon official confirmed that all US bombers deployed to RAF Fairford had re-deployed to their home stations. The Pentagon added that the country's bomber force remained ready to deliver precision global strike capabilities "anywhere, anytime". The Wall Street Journal reported that the aircraft were removed due to security concerns linked to suspected plots targeting the base.
The incident has sparked a diplomatic response, with US President Donald Trump weighing in on the issue. Trump stated that those involved in the plot had planned "big damage" and that it might have been connected to Iran. He also expressed concerns about the release of the suspects on bail, saying "I wouldn't have done that". Britain's Ministry of Defence has declined to comment on US plane movements.
The removal of the bombers has not affected NATO's defensive capabilities, according to a senior NATO military official. The official stated that NATO's defensive agility towards any aggression remains unchanged and unmatched thanks to the unity, strength, and combined capabilities of 32 nations. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, as well as the importance of RAF Fairford in US military operations.
The investigation into the suspected plot is ongoing, with counterterrorism police describing it as complex. The incident has raised concerns about the security of military bases in the UK and the potential for Iranian-backed plots. The UK and US have increased security measures at military bases, and the incident is likely to be a topic of discussion in future diplomatic talks between the two countries.
Key points
- The US has removed its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford amid a suspected Iranian plot.
- Five men were arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts near the base.
- The incident has sparked a diplomatic response, with US President Donald Trump expressing concerns about the release of the suspects on bail.
