US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States had moved B-1 bombers stationed at RAF Fairford in Britain because of a threat linked to Iran.
The aircraft had recently been used by the US in strikes against Iran. Trump said US officials were aware of a potential threat and decided there was little reason to leave the bombers at the base.
“We knew there might be a threat, and why leave them there?” Trump told reporters, adding that the aircraft had been moved “not very far”.
When asked whether the threat was connected to Iran, Trump replied that it was.
US officials differ over Iran link
US Vice President JD Vance said earlier that the bombers had been moved as a precaution.
He said Washington believed Iran was seeking to carry out activities against US interests and was therefore taking extra precautions.
However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there was no direct connection between the sudden relocation of the bombers and an Iranian attack plot.
Rubio said the Pentagon was constantly moving resources to where they were needed.
A NATO source also said Iran continued to be considered a direct threat to US interests in the UK.
Arrests near RAF Fairford
The relocation follows the arrests of five British men near RAF Fairford last week over suspected plans for terrorist activity. They were later released on conditional bail.
A sixth man, a British-Iranian national, was subsequently arrested and also released.
US officials have suggested that Iran may have been involved in the alleged plot, while Iranian authorities have rejected the accusations.
The New York Times, citing two US officials, reported that the bombers were moved over the weekend after commanders received new intelligence about a suspected Iran-backed plot.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has also said the alleged plot was likely to have been supported by Iran, although several aspects of the case remain unclear.
Key US military base in Europe
RAF Fairford, around 145 kilometres west of London, is one of the most important US military facilities in Europe and one of the few bases capable of hosting heavy bombers such as the B-1.
The base has played a role in previous US military operations in the Middle East, although B-1 bombers are not permanently stationed there.
During the recent conflict with Iran, Britain authorised the US to use the base for defensive strikes against Iranian missile facilities used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz. London did not authorise Washington to launch offensive strikes against Iran from the base.
The issue has added tension to relations between the US and Britain, traditionally among Washington’s closest allies.
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