Archive · 5 Oct 2026
US Bombers Leave RAF Fairford Amid Iran-Linked Plot Investigation
The United States moved all of its bombers away from RAF Fairford, a British air base.
The planes were sent back to their home bases in the United States.
The move came after authorities investigated a suspected plot against the base.
Reports said officials had received more urgent warnings about a possible threat.
A dual British-Iranian national was arrested in London after a security incident at the base in late September.
Six people were reportedly taken into custody and later released on bail.
British authorities linked the suspected plot to Iran.
Iran denied being involved.
Officials have not publicly explained exactly what intelligence led to the bombers’ departure.
The US Air Force redeployed all its bombers from RAF Fairford to home bases in the United States.
At least 10 of the 12 B-1 bombers at the base left on Sunday.
The withdrawal followed reports of more urgent intelligence about a possible threat to the base.
A dual British-Iranian national was arrested in London after a security incident at RAF Fairford in late September.
Six people were reportedly detained and released on bail; British authorities linked the suspected plot to Iran, which denied involvement.
- Who
- The US Air Force redeployed its bombers; British authorities are investigating a suspected plot.
- What
- All US bombers deployed at RAF Fairford were moved to their home stations in the United States.
- When
- The withdrawal was confirmed on October 5, 2026; at least 10 of the 12 B-1 bombers left on Sunday.
- Where
- RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, about 100 miles west of London.
- Why
- The move followed an investigation into an alleged plot targeting the base and reports of more urgent threat intelligence.
British authorities
Iran
Alleged links to the plot
British authorities
British authorities linked the suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford to Iran.
Iran
Iran denied any involvement.
- Base
- RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force station in Gloucestershire
- Distance from London
- About 100 miles (160 km) west
- Aircraft
- All US bombers deployed at the base were redeployed to home stations in the United States
- B-1 bombers
- At least 10 of the 12 stationed at Fairford flew out on Sunday
- Arrest
- A dual British-Iranian national was arrested in central London on suspicion of plotting a terror attack
- Other people detained
- Six people were reportedly taken into custody and subsequently released on bail
- Iran's response
- Tehran denied involvement in the suspected plot