The US removed bombers from RAF Fairford over fears of a 'complex' drone attack ordered by Iran on British soil, according to reports.
American and European officials familiar with the matter told the Wall Street Journal Iran had a plot to target aircraft and kill personnel stationed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Police arrested six men over the past week in connection with a suspected plot targeting the base, which had been hosting US bombers involved in strikes against Iran.
Trump responds to threats
Top US politicians have, so far, not publicly confirmed the B-1 bombers were moved over Iranian drone attack fears. President Trump said: "I cannot confirm whether Iran launched a drone to Britain, and if it did so, it will suffer devastating losses."
However, the President did say they were moved in response to 'a threat'. "I think we can say that. They didn't fly out by accident," he added as he left the White House on Monday (October 5).
"No, but there were some threats and rather than tempting the enemy, we'll capture the enemy and beat the enemy. But why should we keep them there? So we moved them around a little bit, not very far."
Vice President and UK response
Vice President JD Vance added the redeployment was 'out of an abundance of caution, trying to protect our guys'. He added: "We do feel with some confidence that the Iranians are trying to do what the Iranian state has done for 49 years, which is engage in acts of terrorism against the United States and against a lot of other people as well."
Downing Street declined to comment on the US decision, and insisted RAF Fairford remains safe. The withdrawal comes days after President Trump said he was 'surprised' the six suspects, all from London, had been bailed by police.
Investigation and military capability
On Monday evening, it was reported cops were probing a line of enquiry that they were part of a decoy operation. Police believe the men, who drove three vans near to the base's boundary, had petrol and not a viable explosive material.
Iran has attacked British military bases in Cyprus and Diego Garcia during the course of the US-Iran War, which started in February. Despite withdrawing bombers from one of its most important European bases, the Pentagon stressed the US Air Force retained the ability to strike 'anywhere, any time'.
