UK Prime Minister Burnham says Iran was involved in a British air base incident
The United States withdrew 12 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in the UK on September 27, citing security concerns about a suspected Iranian-backed drone attack. British police arrested five men near the base the same day, and a sixth British-Iranian national was also taken into custody. A local farmer reported suspicious activity, prompting a counter-terrorism response and the recovery of petrol from the base. The US military had previously used the base for defensive operations into Iran, and officials said the move was precautionary, with no direct link to the suspected plot.
- The United States withdrew 12 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in the UK, citing security concerns about a suspected Iranian-backed drone attack.
- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said strong indications point to Iranian involvement in the alleged plot.
- Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford on September 27, suspected of terrorism and explosives offences.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guards said any base used against Iranian territory is a legitimate target.
- A sixth British-Iranian national was arrested near the base during the investigation.
- Police responded to a report of suspicious vehicles near the Fairford airbase.
- At least 10 B-1 bombers flew out of RAF Fairford on Sunday.
- British authorities linked the incident to Tehran and said Iranian proxies have conducted attacks in Britain.
- Counter-terrorism police recovered petrol from the base after a call from a local farmer.
- Six people were arrested and released on bail during the investigation.
- The New York Times reported US commanders received new threats about an Iran-backed plot against RAF Fairford.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there was no direct link between the bomber removal and the suspected Iranian plot.
- The British government stated RAF Fairford was safe.
- The US military had previously stationed B-1 bombers at RAF Fairford for defensive operations into Iran.
- Vice President JD Vance said the US moved bombers out of caution.
- Police found gasoline in three vans linked to the suspects but no explosive devices.
- The US cited concerns about a potential attack, including sabotage or striking aircraft, as justification for the withdrawal.
- Iran denied any involvement in the alleged plot and called accusations baseless.
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