LONDON/WASHINGTON, October 6: US President Donald Trump said threats prompted Washington to withdraw about a dozen B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Britain.
The Pentagon confirmed that all US bombers deployed at the base had returned to their home stations in the United States.
Trump said Washington had received information about a threat against the aircraft.
“There were some threats,” Trump told reporters. He said the planes were moved to avoid unnecessarily exposing them to danger.
Trump also said US authorities knew who had made the threat. He did not identify the individuals or provide details about the alleged threat.
Possible Iran Link Under Investigation
The exact nature of the threat remains unclear.
US officials have reportedly examined the possibility of an attack targeting the aircraft and personnel at Fairford. Some reports have linked the suspected threat to Iran.
The development follows the arrest of five men near the base on September 27. British police arrested them on suspicion of terrorism and explosives-related offences.
Police later released the men on bail. A sixth man, a UK-Iranian national, was also arrested in London and later released on bail.
British counterterrorism police said investigations remain ongoing. No explosives were found during the earlier searches, although police recovered petrol from vehicles near the base.
UK authorities have not confirmed Iranian involvement.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously said there were “strong indications” that Iran had played a role in the incident. Tehran has strongly denied any involvement.
Rubio Gives More Cautious Assessment
Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a more cautious explanation for the withdrawal.
Rubio said the United States routinely moves military assets around the world.
He said he would not directly link the bomber withdrawal to the arrests near Fairford.
Vice President JD Vance later described the move as a precaution.
Vance said Washington had acted with an “abundance of caution” to protect US personnel and aircraft. He also suggested Iran remained a security concern for the United States.
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RAF Fairford’s Strategic Role
RAF Fairford has served as a key forward operating location for US bombers in Europe for decades.
The base has recently supported US military operations in the Middle East. B-1 and B-52 bombers have operated from the facility.
The withdrawal reduces Washington’s ability to quickly launch bomber missions from Europe.
However, analysts say the move does not eliminate the US ability to conduct long-range strikes.
The bombers could potentially operate from US bases or other locations, depending on security, capacity and agreements with allies.
The relocation therefore affects the speed and convenience of US operations more than its overall long-range strike capability.
The Pentagon said US bomber crews remain ready to conduct precision global strike missions from locations in the United States and elsewhere.
