The United States abruptly withdrew all 12 B-1 Air Force bombers from RAF Fairford in southern England based on new intelligence about a potential drone attack ordered by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. U.S. and British officials said the suspected plot aimed to strike aircraft and kill American personnel at the base, drawing parallels to Ukraine’s 2023 drone assault on Russian strategic bombers. Vice President JD Vance stated the move was made "out of an abundance of caution" to protect troops, accusing Iran of engaging in terrorism for 49 years. President Trump confirmed threats linked to Iran prompted the withdrawal, questioning why bombers should remain at the base.
The withdrawal followed the arrest of five men near RAF Fairford in white vans on Sept. 27, later released on bail, and a British-Iranian dual national arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. Officials said the intelligence urgency spiked over the weekend, with some bombers departing while refueling aircraft were still being deployed. U.S., British, German, and Israeli officials believe the operation is connected to Iran’s IRGC or a Tehran military headquarters, which Iran has denied. Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s spokesman affirmed the base’s safety, referencing the British defense secretary’s prior statement.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing