Archive · 5 Oct 2026
US Bombers Leave UK Base as Officials Dispute Plot Link
The United States moved its B-1 bombers from a British air base back to bases in the United States.
The planes had been used for limited strikes on Iranian missile sites that were targeting ships.
Police arrested five men near the base, then arrested another man four days later.
All six have been released on bail while police continue their investigation.
Police said they found petrol but no explosive devices.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Iran may have backed the suspected plot, but Iran denied this.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the bomber move should not be directly linked to the suspected plot.
The Pentagon said the US bomber force remains ready for missions.
The United States moved all B-1 bombers deployed at RAF Fairford back to their home bases, the Pentagon said on Sunday.
The aircraft had been permitted to conduct strikes on Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Five men were arrested near the base on September 27, and a sixth man was arrested four days later; all six were released on bail.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there was no direct link between the bomber move and the suspected plot, while media reports cited security concerns and new threats.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the suspected plot was likely backed by Iran; Iran denied involvement, and police said no explosives were found.
- Who
- The United States moved its B-1 bombers; British police arrested six men in connection with a suspected plot.
- What
- All US bombers deployed at RAF Fairford returned to their home stations in the United States.
- When
- The Pentagon confirmed the move on Sunday, October 5; the first five arrests were made on September 27, and the sixth followed four days later.
- Where
- RAF Fairford, about 90 miles (145 km) west of London, England.
- Why
- The Pentagon did not give a reason. Rubio said there was no direct link to the suspected plot; media reports cited security concerns and new threats.
Possible Iranian role and security concerns
No confirmed link and Iran's denial
Iran's possible involvement
Possible Iranian role and security concerns
Andy Burnham said the suspected plot was likely backed by Iran. Donald Trump said it might have been connected to Iran, and a NATO military source said Iran posed an acute threat to US assets in the UK.
No confirmed link and Iran's denial
Iran denied involvement and called the accusations baseless. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the release of the suspects on bail showed the accusations were misplaced.
Reason for the bomber move
Possible Iranian role and security concerns
The New York Times, citing two US officials, reported that commanders received new threats about an Iran-backed plot and the bombers were moved in response. The Wall Street Journal also reported security concerns linked to suspected plots.
No confirmed link and Iran's denial
Rubio said there was no direct link between the suspected plot and the move, adding that the Department of War reallocates resources as needed. The Pentagon confirmed the redeployment without citing the plot as its cause.
- Aircraft
- B-1 bombers
- Base
- RAF Fairford, about 90 miles (145 km) west of London
- Redeployment
- All bombers deployed at Fairford returned to their home stations in the United States
- Arrests
- Five men were arrested on September 27; a sixth was arrested four days later
- Suspects' status
- All six men were released on bail
- Police findings
- Police said no explosive devices were found, but a quantity of petrol was present
- Authorized strikes
- The United States had permission to use Fairford for strikes on Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz