The United States Air Force has urgently withdrawn all 12 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire following fresh intelligence about a second Iran-backed terror plot against the base, as a sixth suspect in the original investigation was released on bail over the weekend.
What Happened
All US B-1 bombers deployed to RAF Fairford departed at the weekend in what officials described as an urgent security measure. According to two US officials cited by the New York Times, fresh intelligence indicated a second Iran-backed plot was being planned against the Gloucestershire airbase. The departure was considered so critical that several aircraft left before aerial refuelling planes had been fully mobilised to support their journey. At least three of the bombers had touched down at their home base in South Dakota by Sunday.
The Pentagon’s European Command confirmed the withdrawal but declined to discuss the specific intelligence behind it. A Pentagon spokesperson said: “US Air Force bombers routinely operate around the world to support global force readiness and operational requirements. While operational security precluded us from confirming the movement of our assets and forces in real time, we can acknowledge now that all US bombers that were deployed to RAF Fairford have redeployed to their home stations in the United States.”
Sixth Suspect Bailed
The withdrawal came as Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) announced on Saturday that a sixth man arrested in connection with the original Fairford plot had been released on bail. The 25-year-old, a dual UK-Iranian national, was detained on 1 October in the Borough of Westminster on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Searches of two London properties have now concluded. He joins five British nationals — all in their mid-20s — who were arrested in the early hours of 28 September and subsequently bailed under stringent conditions.
CTP senior national co-ordinator Vicki Evans said: “The investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of inquiry. As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles — including possible foreign state involvement.”
Iranian Connection and International Response
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said there are “strong indications” Iran was involved in the original Fairford incident, in which three vans were stopped near the airbase perimeter in the early hours of 28 September. Counter-terror police confirmed petrol but no explosive devices were found in the vehicles. Iran has denied any involvement and summoned the British ambassador in Tehran in protest.
US President Donald Trump described the original plot as “looking to do big damage” and praised the UK police response. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also pointed to the “hands of a foreign actor.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu separately claimed Israel had handed Britain intelligence about what he described as an “Iranian-sponsored attack” shortly before the UK announced a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Background: RAF Fairford and US Operations
RAF Fairford, located near the village of Fairford in the Cotswold district of Gloucestershire, has served as a key staging post for US Air Force operations in recent months. Following former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to grant Washington permission to use British bases for “defensive” strikes against Iranian missile sites, four B-1 bombers arrived at Fairford in March 2026. The base has since been central to US operations against Iran during the ongoing Middle East conflict.
What Happens Next
All six suspects remain on police bail under active investigation. CTP has stated it continues to examine “multiple lines of inquiry” including the question of whether any individuals were knowingly or unknowingly acting on behalf of a foreign state. The UK government has not confirmed whether the bomb threat intelligence that triggered the bomber withdrawal came from the same network as the 28 September arrests, or represents an entirely separate plot.
This is a developing story. The Cheltenham Times will update as the counter-terrorism investigation progresses.
