US Withdraws All Bomber Aircraft from RAF Fairford Amid Terror Threat Investigation

The United States has withdrawn all of its bomber aircraft from the Royal Air Force Fairford base in the United Kingdom, where B-52 and B-1 bombers had been deployed for operations linked to the conflict with Iran.

The move came as British authorities continued investigating a suspected terrorist plot connected to the military base.

A Pentagon official confirmed that the bombers stationed at RAF Fairford had been returned to their respective home bases in the United States. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity surrounding military movements.

Aviation monitors said dozens of B-52 and B-1 bombers had operated from Fairford since the early stages of the Iran conflict. Several B-1 aircraft were seen leaving the base on Sunday.

The development comes as US President Donald Trump considers Washington’s next steps in the conflict with Iran, including the possibility of further military action.

Trump said on Saturday that Iran had suffered significant damage and that a decision would be made on whether the situation could be resolved through an easier or more difficult course.

Meanwhile, British authorities arrested a British-Iranian dual national in central London last week over a suspected terrorist plot. Six people have been detained and subsequently released on bail as part of investigations following a security incident at RAF Fairford in late September.

British authorities have examined a possible Iranian connection to the incident, while Iran has denied any involvement.

Located around 160 kilometres west of London, RAF Fairford has long served as an important base for US bomber operations, particularly during military deployments in the Middle East.

The United States continues to maintain a significant military presence in the region. US officials said the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and the USS Makin Island amphibious readiness group are also heading toward the Middle East.

Together, the vessels are carrying more than 7,000 sailors and around 2,000 Marines, potentially bringing the number of US carrier groups in the region to three by the end of October.