The U.S. has abruptly pulled all 12 of its B-1 bombers out of Britain after receiving fresh intelligence about a possible Iran-backed attack on RAF Fairford.
The Wall Street Journal notes that extraordinary withdrawal was carried out with such urgency that some aircraft reportedly departed the Gloucestershire base before aerial refueling tankers supporting their return were ready.
U.S. European Command confirmed Sunday that every American bomber deployed to Fairford was returning home.
“We can acknowledge now that all U.S. bombers that were deployed to R.A.F. Fairford are redeploying to their home stations in the United States,” the command said.
The U.S. has withdrawn all 12 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in the UK following security concerns over a suspected Iran-linked terror plot targeting the base.
U.S. officials believe a branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps recruited UK nationals to target the bombers… pic.twitter.com/sD0hcLieBI
— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 4, 2026
The evacuation comes just one week after British police arrested five men near the base as part of an investigation into a suspected terrorist plot.
To the shock of the public and President Trump, the men were subsequently released on bail.
“I would’ve said don’t let them have bail,” said shortly afterward.
”I’m surprised that they released them. I wouldn’t have done that.”
Police said no improvised explosive devices were discovered, although petrol was recovered from vehicles connected to the investigation.
A dual British-Iranian national was later arrested in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. He too has since been released on bail while the investigation continues.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said there are strong indications Iran played a role in the alleged plot, while Tehran has denied any involvement.
The episode has raised serious questions about Britain’s ability to secure one of the most strategically important American military facilities on its soil.
🚨 SUMMARY: What we know so far about the RAF Fairford suspected bomb plot
– A farmer driving home in the early hours found three white vans blocking a village road with no one inside
– Suspicious, she immediately turned around before seeing a “group of Middle Eastern-looking… pic.twitter.com/p8nXovheHR
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) September 27, 2026
Around 85 nearby households were evacuated following the initial arrests, while bomb disposal teams and other military resources were deployed to the area.
Local representatives subsequently questioned the security response and demanded answers from the government.
RAF Fairford has been used by American bombers during military operations against Iran and was specifically threatened by Tehran earlier this year.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned in July that bases used to launch attacks against Iranian territory would be considered legitimate targets.
The latest U.S. intelligence reportedly convinced commanders that the danger had become sufficiently urgent to remove the entire B-1 force from Britain.
At least three of the bombers had returned to their home base in South Dakota by Sunday.
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