Pentagon Withdraws B-1 Bomber Jets from Fairford Base in UK Amid Iran Bombing Fears?
The Pentagon confirmed on Sunday (4/10/2026) that it has withdrawn B-1 bomber jets from the Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Fairford, UK. A statement released by the Pentagon, as reported by AFP and Gulf News, stated, “we can now acknowledge that all US bombers deployed to RAF Fairford have been redeployed to their home bases in the United States.”
The statement further noted, “operational security prevents us from confirming the movement of our assets and troops as events unfold.”
Last Sunday, police received a call to attend the RAF Fairford area after a local farmer reported a group of people in several vans involved in ‘suspicious’ activity. The report triggered the evacuation of residents living in 85 houses near the base, which has previously been used by the US as a runway for strikes against Iran.
Speculation regarding the incident ranged from terror threats to fuel theft, particularly as fuel prices in the UK hit record highs this week. Police investigators stated they found no explosives in the suspected vans; however, “a significant amount of fuel was found,” according to Lawrence Taylor, Head of Central Counter-Terrorism Policy.
Five British nationals were detained in connection with the incident at RAF Fairford. However, the individuals, all men in their 20s, were subsequently released on bail, a move that prompted a protest from Washington.
“I would not do that (the release),” said US President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that “foreign actors” might be involved. Responding to Rubio, the Iranian Embassy in London stated it “categorically denies and strongly condemns” speculation involving Tehran’s involvement.
Security at RAF Fairford has been heightened recently. In March, the UK granted permission to the US to use the base for “specific defence operations against Iran,” and US bombers and other aircraft have been seen taking off and landing at RAF Fairford since that time.