US withdraws bombers from UK base amid suspected Iran-backed terror plot

The US has withdrawn bombers stationed at RAF Fairford, a UK base linked to a potential terrorist plot, following new threats of an alleged Iran-linked attack. Unusually swift, the Pentagon reported all American bombers deployed at the base have returned to their home bases in the US. The bombers utilized Fairford in the military campaign against Iran since late February.

Although this move takes key equipment out of the preferred forward operating base for US bombers in Europe, the Pentagon confirmed personnel operating the fleet, including B-1, B-2, and B-52s, remain ready for global precision strikes. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham had approved the base's use by the US for defensive strikes against Iran, following his predecessor Keir Starmer's policy.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps allegedly recruited Britons for the plot, according to a senior US official cited by the Wall Street Journal. UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting stated Iran was likely responsible for the thwarted attack after a British-Iranian dual national was arrested in London on suspicion of terrorist preparation.

Five men were arrested outside the base on Sunday, with two properties searched and a quantity of fuel recovered, though no explosives were found. The five suspects were later released on bail, drawing criticism from President Trump. Trump hinted at potential Iranian involvement, though he could not confirm it.