US Air Force pulls B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford amid suspected terror plot probe

(TNND) — U.S. Air Force bombers were pulled out of RAF Fairford in England on Sunday as investigators look into a suspected terror plot targeting the base.

U.S. European Command confirmed the bombers were returning to their stations in the United States but did not specific threat information.

The New York Times , citing two anonymous U.S. officials, reported all 12 B-1 bombers were withdrawn rapidly after new warnings of a suspected Iran-backed plot. At least three B-1 bombers had arrived at their base in South Dakota by Sunday, according to the Times.

RAF Fairford, 100 miles west of London, has been used by U.S. bombers during the current war with Iran and in Middle East conflicts.

FAIRFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 4: A B1 bomber taxis to the runway to depart for at RAF Fairford on October 04, 2026 in Fairford, United Kingdom. Around a dozen US B-1B Lancer bombers remain stationed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, following a significant military drawdown late last month that saw six B-52 Stratofortress bombers return across the Atlantic. The heavy aircraft are part of an American forward strike force that has used the Gloucestershire airfield to conduct missions against Iranian capabilities, with total aircraft numbers at the Gloucestershire hub previously peaking between 21 and 23 strategic bombers earlier this year. (Photo by David Bown/Getty Images)

British authorities arrested a dual British-Iranian national in London last week on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts following a late-September security incident near the base. Six people were detained and later released on bail during the investigation, according to the AP report.

British officials have linked the alleged plot to Tehran, and Iran has denied involvement. Iran previously warned that bases used to launch attacks on Iranian territory could be considered legitimate targets.

The withdrawal comes as President Donald Trump weighs potential additional military action against Iran and the U.S. sends more naval forces toward the Middle East.