UK says RAF Fairford is safe after US pulls out all bombers.
The Pentagon confirmed on Sunday that it had taken its B-1 bombers back to the US. The move followed an alert about possible threats and three “suspicious vehicles” that were spotted near the base on September 27.
A Number 10 spokesperson said the base was safe and would not comment on foreign operations, echoing a praise from US President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Wes Streeting.
London’s counter‑terror police are still investigating the incident. Five men were initially arrested and later released on bail, including a UK-Iranian national, but details remain scarce.
Sources say the withdrawal was a purely operational decision, not a political protest. The US has used RAF Fairford as a launch pad for strikes on the Middle East, approved by the UK to target actions against Iran.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham hinted that Iran may have been behind the plot, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it involved a foreign actor.
Tehran has denied any role, while the Iranian government has warned that any base used against its territory is a legitimate target.
Citizens monitoring the situation say it highlights the need for joint security posture and the complexities of global alliances.
