US Withdraws B-1 Bombers from UK Base Following Foiled Terror Plot

The US has withdrawn all B-1 bombers from a UK air base that was targeted in a foiled terror plot believed to involve Iran, according to American officials. The Department of Defense removed a dozen B-1s from the Royal Air Force Fairford base, which had been used for potential strikes on Iran, due to security concerns after the thwarted attack last Sunday. The Pentagon confirmed that all US bombers deployed to RAF Fairford have returned to their home stations in the United States. The alleged terrorist plot was disrupted before it could be executed, leading to the arrest of five suspects identified as British nationals, who were reportedly planning a van bomb attack against the airfield. The suspects were apprehended after local residents in Whelford, Gloucester, reported suspicious activity involving vans and individuals described as “Middle Eastern-looking” wearing masks. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated there are “strong indications” of Iranian government involvement in the plot, which targeted the Fairford base. A senior US official suggested that the plot was supported by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian officials have denied these allegations, labeling them as “fabricated speculations.” The Iranian embassy in the UK stated that such claims would only contribute to anti-Iran sentiment in the UK. British authorities released the five suspects on bail on Monday, indicating that the investigation would continue.