All U.S. Air Force bombers stationed in the United Kingdom have returned to their bases in the United States after a suspected terrorist plot that American officials have suggested could be connected to Iran and aimed at a U.S. military facility last week.
The aircraft removed from Royal Air Force Station Fairford in Gloucestershire included roughly a dozen B-1 bombers, according to a U.S. official who spoke to Fox News. Fairford is the only forward operating location in Europe for America’s heavy bomber fleet.
“We can acknowledge now that all U.S. bombers that were deployed to RAF Fairford have re-deployed to their home stations in the United States,” a department official said.
The Pentagon said the move does not reduce the fleet’s operational readiness. U.S. bombers remain capable of conducting long-range strike missions from bases in the continental United States whenever required.
FILE — A U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancer bomber is stationed at RAF Fairford in Fairford, England. The installation serves as a key European base for U.S. bomber operations. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
“The Airmen that operate America’s bomber force, including B-1s, B-2s, and B-52s, remain ready to deliver precision global strike capabilities – including through operations that launch and recover from the continental United States – anywhere, anytime,” the official said.
RAF Fairford is a key European hub for U.S. heavy strategic bombers and has supported American military operations, including missions against targets in Iran.
Police stand at a roadblock near RAF Fairford in Fairford, England, on Sept. 27, 2026, after authorities declared a major incident nearby. (Photo by Ben Birchall/PA Images via Getty Images)
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U.K. officials said last Sunday that three suspicious vehicles containing fuel accelerants had been discovered near RAF Fairford.
“We can confirm that no improvised explosive devices were found. However, a quantity of petrol was recovered,” officials said.
Investigators began examining possible links to Iranian state proxies and later arrested a British-Iranian dual national on suspicion of “preparation of terrorist acts.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio subsequently said the alleged plot “clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor.”
President Donald Trump also told reporters last week that the incident could have been connected to Iran, a country the United States has been at war with since February.
FILE — Ground crews prepare to load munitions onto a U.S. Air Force B-1 bomber at RAF Fairford in Fairford, England, on March 11, 2026. About a dozen B-1 bombers have been returned to their home stations in the United States. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Six people were arrested in connection with the incident, including five British nationals who are in their early 20s.
Police said all six suspects have since been released on bail, while the investigation continues.
“I understand why this development will have come as a surprise to many, but I’d like to reiterate that it was an investigative decision, and one which is grounded in experience and careful consideration of policing powers,” officials said regarding the release of the five British nationals.
