Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Vance Says US Moved Bombers From Britain Over Plot Concerns
The United States moved its B-1 bombers away from a British airbase.
Vice President JD Vance said the move was made to be extra careful and protect US personnel.
The base is called RAF Fairford and has been used by US bombers.
Five British men were arrested near it after police saw them running from vans.
Police said they found petrol but no explosives, and the men were later released on bail.
US officials gave different explanations about whether the arrests were directly connected to moving the planes.
Iran denied being involved in a plot.
The planes went back to their home bases in the United States.
JD Vance said moving US B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford was a precaution to protect US personnel.
The bombers had returned to their home stations in the United States, a Pentagon official said.
Five British men were arrested near the base on September 27 on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts; they were later released on bail.
Marco Rubio said there was no direct link between the bomber move and the suspected plot, while a report cited new Iran-backed threats.
Iran denied involvement, while British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said any plot was likely backed by Iran.
- Who
- The United States moved B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford; JD Vance explained the decision.
- What
- The bombers were moved from the British airbase to their home stations in the United States.
- When
- Vance spoke on Monday, October 5; the first arrests near the base took place on September 27.
- Where
- RAF Fairford in Britain; the bombers returned to home stations in the United States.
- Why
- Vance said the move was made out of an abundance of caution to protect US personnel after a suspected plot near the base.
Officials citing a threat
Officials disputing or denying the link
Reason for moving the bombers
Officials citing a threat
Vance described the move as a precaution to protect US personnel. A New York Times report, citing two US officials, said commanders received new threats about an Iran-backed plot.
Officials disputing or denying the link
Rubio said there was no direct link between the suspected plot and the removal, saying the Pentagon regularly reallocates resources.
Whether Iran was involved
Officials citing a threat
Burnham said any plot was likely backed by Iran, and a NATO military source said Iran posed an acute threat to US assets in the UK.
Officials disputing or denying the link
Iran denied involvement and called the accusations baseless.
- Aircraft
- B-1 bombers
- Airbase
- RAF Fairford, about 90 miles (145 km) west of London
- Arrests near base
- Five British men were arrested on September 27 on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts; they were later released on bail.
- Additional arrest
- A sixth man, a dual UK-Iranian national, was arrested four days later and later released on bail.
- Police findings
- Police said no explosive devices were found, but petrol was present.
- US position
- Rubio said there was no direct link between the bomber move and the suspected plot.
- Iran's position
- Iran denied involvement and called the accusations baseless.
- UK restrictions
- Britain had permitted use of its bases for strikes on Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz, but not for offensive strikes on Iran.