The US military withdrew all of its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Sunday, citing an "abundance of caution" related to Iran-linked threats against the airbase.
The Pentagon confirmed the removal of approximately a dozen B-1s from the UK base back to their home stations in America. US Vice President JD Vance attributed the decision to concerns that Iran is engaging in "acts of terrorism." The New York Times reported that US commanders had received new threat information about an Iran-backed plot against the facility within the past 24 hours, according to two US officials, building on warnings from three weeks prior.
The withdrawal follows a September 27 incident when police investigated three suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford. Counter-terror police have been investigating the matter. Five men were initially arrested on suspicion of terror offences and released on bail. A sixth man, identified as a UK-Iranian national, was also arrested and later released on bail.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were "strong indications" Iran played a role in the incident but provided no further details. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it "clearly involve[d] the hands of a foreign actor" without elaborating. Tehran has strongly denied any involvement.
Downing Street insisted the base remains secure. A No. 10 spokesperson declined to comment on "foreign nations' military operations" but said the base was safe, referencing President Donald Trump's recent praise of UK police, defence and security services. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated the UK has "tried and tested approaches to defend our bases around the country and throughout the world."
Rubio downplayed the connection to the September incident, saying bomber movements are routine based on exercises and redeployments. He stated the US retains full confidence in security at all its bases and that British authorities have been cooperative.
Ezra Cohen, a defence official under Trump's first administration, called the withdrawal "prudent," noting the B-1 is a strategic asset with limited numbers still in production. The BBC was told the decision was military rather than political, made at an operational level by US military commanders and communicated to British counterparts.
Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson James MacCleary called the withdrawal "deeply concerning" and urged the government to ensure military bases are "fit for purpose."
Residents near RAF Fairford expressed relief at the bombers' departure, citing noise and security concerns.