US Pulls Bombers From UK Base After Suspected Iran Plot

All U.S. Air Force bombers previously deployed to RAF Fairford in England have returned to their home bases in the United States after a suspected terror plot near the installation, according to U.S. officials. The move followed an incident last week that American officials have suggested may be tied to Iran and aimed at a U.S. military facility.

A U.S. official told Fox News that about a dozen B-1 bombers were among the aircraft removed from the Gloucestershire base. RAF Fairford is the only forward operating location in Europe for American heavy bombers, making it a strategically important site for U.S. operations on the continent.

A Defense Department official said all U.S. bombers stationed at RAF Fairford have now redeployed to their home stations in the United States. The Pentagon also stressed that the relocation does not reduce the military's ability to conduct long-range strike missions if required.

“The Airmen that operate America’s bomber force, including B-1s, B-2s, and B-52s, remain ready to deliver precision global strike capabilities – including through operations that launch and recover from the continental United States – anywhere, anytime,” the official said.

That statement underscored a broader Pentagon message: while the aircraft are no longer in the U.K., the bomber fleet remains available for rapid deployment from the continental United States. Officials framed the redeployment as a shift in basing rather than a reduction in readiness.

Security concerns at a key bomber hub

RAF Fairford has long served as an important base for American strategic bombers and has supported U.S. military missions, including operations targeting Iranian sites. Its role as the only European forward operating location for U.S. heavy bombers gives it outsized significance in any discussion of force posture and regional security.

British officials said that last Sunday three suspicious vehicles containing fuel accelerants were found near the base. Authorities later said no improvised explosive devices were discovered, but confirmed that petrol had been recovered from the scene.

The investigation then widened to examine possible links to Iranian state proxies. Police eventually arrested a British-Iranian dual national on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later said the suspected plot “clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor.”

President Donald Trump also told reporters last week that the incident may have been connected to Iran. The United States and Iran have been at war since February, adding to the significance of any suspected threat involving a U.S. military installation in Europe.

Arrests made, but suspects released on bail

In total, six people were arrested in connection with the case, including five British nationals in their early 20s. Police said all of the suspects have since been released on bail while the investigation continues.

Officials acknowledged that the decision to release the five British nationals drew attention, but said it reflected an investigative judgment rather than a sign that the case had lost urgency. “I understand why this development will have come as a surprise to many, but I’d like to reiterate that it was an investigative decision, and one which is grounded in experience and careful consideration of policing powers,” officials said.

With the inquiry still active, authorities have not announced final conclusions about motive or direction. What is clear is that the suspected plot triggered a significant security response and prompted the complete withdrawal of U.S. bombers from one of Washington’s most important military airfields in Europe.