US pulls B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford amid suspected Iranian drone plot
U.S. officials said a suspected Iranian plan to target a British airbase prompted the removal of B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford, while British police arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with the investigation.
The United States withdrew its B-1 bomber fleet from RAF Fairford, a key British airbase, after intelligence indicated a possible Iranian scheme to launch a coordinated drone attack, two U.S. officials said on condition of anonymity. British police disclosed that a 22-year-old man was detained in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts linked to the alleged plot. Iran has denied any involvement. A spokesperson for the U.S. European Command declined to comment on intelligence matters, stating that specific force-protection measures would not be discussed. The spokesperson added that America’s bomber fleet, including B-1, B-2 and B-52 aircraft, can conduct precision global strike missions from the continental United States and elsewhere, “anywhere, anytime.”