Archive · 5 Oct 2026
US Withdraws B-1 Bombers from UK Base After Security Incident
The United States moved its B-1 bombers away from RAF Fairford in Britain.
The Pentagon said the aircraft returned to their home stations in the United States.
A dozen bombers had been at the base.
They had also been used in US strikes on Iran.
The move came about a week after people were arrested following a report of suspicious activity near the base.
One account says five men were released on bail, while another describes several men arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
British officials said they had strong indications Iran was involved in a possible plot.
Iran denied the accusation and called it baseless.
The reports do not establish that Iran was involved or that explosives were found.
The Pentagon confirmed all US bombers deployed to RAF Fairford had returned to their home stations in the United States.
A dozen B-1 bombers had been stationed at the base and had been used in US strikes on Iran.
The withdrawal came about a week after men were arrested following a report of suspicious activity near the base.
One report says five London-based Britons were released on bail; another describes several men arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
Britain said it had strong indications Iran was involved in a suspected plot, while Iran rejected the accusation as baseless.
- Who
- The United States withdrew its bombers; British officials and Iran gave opposing accounts about a suspected plot.
- What
- All US bombers deployed to RAF Fairford returned to their home stations in the United States.
- When
- The withdrawal was reported on Sunday, October 4; the incident and arrests occurred about a week earlier.
- Where
- RAF Fairford in England.
- Why
- The withdrawal was reported amid security concerns following arrests and a suspected plot targeting the base.
Britain's allegation
Iran's denial
Iran's alleged role in the suspected plot
Britain's allegation
Britain said it had strong indications Iran was involved in a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford. US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also referred to a foreign actor's role.
Iran's denial
Iran rejected accusations linking it to the alleged plan as baseless and summoned the British ambassador in Tehran.
- Aircraft
- B-1 bombers
- Number stationed at RAF Fairford
- A dozen
- Destination
- Their home stations in the United States
- Incident
- A local farmer reported a group of men engaged in suspicious activity near the base.
- Arrests
- One report says five London-based Britons were arrested and released on bail; another says several men were arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
- British position
- Britain said it had strong indications Iran was involved in a suspected plot targeting the base.
- Iran's response
- Iran called the accusations baseless and summoned the British ambassador in Tehran.
- Use of the base
- The UK had permitted US bombers based at Fairford to strike Iranian missile sites.
