Archive · 5 Oct 2026
US Redeploys Fairford Bombers Amid Suspected Iran-Linked Plot
The United States brought its bombers from RAF Fairford in England back to bases in America.
The bombers had been using the base during the war involving Iran.
The move came while authorities investigated a suspected plot connected to a security incident at the base on September 27.
Reports say five men arrested near the base were released on bail.
A British-Iranian man was also arrested in London on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
The articles differ about whether all six people connected to the investigation had been released on bail.
UK officials said Iran was likely responsible, but they had not formally blamed it.
Iran denied involvement.
The Pentagon did not publicly confirm that the investigation caused the bomber move.
The Pentagon said all U.S. bombers deployed at RAF Fairford had returned to their home bases in the United States.
The aircraft operating from the base included B-1s and B-52s; the bomber fleet also includes B-2s.
The redeployment followed a suspected terror plot investigation connected to a security incident at RAF Fairford on September 27.
Reports differ on the custody details: one says six people were taken into custody and released on bail, while another says five men were released on bail and a sixth suspect was arrested in London.
UK officials said Iran was likely responsible but had not formally attributed the alleged plot; Iran denied involvement.
- Who
- The U.S. Air Force redeployed its bombers; UK police and security officials investigated the suspected plot.
- What
- Bombers at RAF Fairford returned to their U.S. home bases amid the investigation.
- When
- The redeployment was reported on Sunday; the security incident was dated September 27.
- Where
- RAF Fairford in England, about 100 miles west of London.
- Why
- The move followed reports of new threats and a suspected plot linked to the base, though the Pentagon did not publicly confirm this as the reason.
UK Officials
Iran
Alleged Iranian involvement
UK Officials
UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said Iran was likely responsible for the suspected plot, while noting the UK had not formally attributed it.
Iran
Iran denied involvement.
Bases used in strikes
UK Officials
The UK approved U.S. use of RAF Fairford for what it described as defensive strikes against Iran.
Iran
Iran has said it considers any base used to attack its territory a legitimate target.
- Aircraft
- B-1 and B-52 bombers were observed operating from Fairford; the U.S. bomber fleet also includes B-2s.
- Redeployment
- The Pentagon said all U.S. bombers at RAF Fairford had returned to home bases in the United States.
- Base
- RAF Fairford, approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of London.
- Incident date
- September 27.
- Arrests
- Five men arrested near the base were released on bail; a 27-year-old British-Iranian suspect was arrested in London.
- Official assessment
- UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said Iran was likely responsible, while saying the UK had not formally attributed the alleged plot.
- Iran's response
- Iran denied involvement and has said bases used to attack its territory are legitimate targets.
- Custody discrepancy
- One report says six people were taken into custody and released on bail; another describes five releases and a sixth suspect's arrest.
