Trump says Iran-linked threat prompted removal of US bombers from British airbase

Fairford, United Kingdom. US President Donald Trump said on Monday that a threat linked to Iran had prompted the removal of American B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, said there was no direct link between the aircraft’s removal and a suspected Iranian plot.

Bombers moved amid security concerns

The aircraft had been stationed at RAF Fairford, the preferred European base for US bombers, and had recently been used in US strikes on Iran.

Last week, five British men were arrested near the base on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards had previously described the base as a legitimate target.

“We had an idea that there might be a threat, and why would I leave them there? It costs very little money to move them,” Trump told reporters on Monday.

“So we had a threat, and if we’re going to be threatened, we just move them, and that sort of alleviates that. And we actually know the people that made the threat.”

Asked whether those responsible were linked to Iran, Trump replied: “They would be linked to Iran.”

US officials offer differing explanations

Earlier on Monday, Vice President JD Vance said the US had moved the bombers out of an abundance of caution.

“We do feel with some confidence that the Iranians are, you know, they’re trying to do what the Iranian state has done for 49 years, which is engaged in acts of terrorism against the United States (and others), so we are being extremely cautious, and that’s all I’d say about that,” Vance told reporters.

Rubio denied a direct connection between the sudden removal of the bombers and the suspected Iranian plot, saying the Pentagon was “constantly reallocating resources where they need to be.”

A NATO military source said on Monday: “It is still believed that Iran poses an acute threat to US assets in the UK.”

Iran rejects allegations

Much about the incident remains unexplained. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said any plot was likely backed by Iran.

Iran has dismissed accusations of involvement in any plot as baseless. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi wrote on social media: “I can confirm Iran’s belief that releasing supposed terrorists working for foreign states really says it all. You’re barking up the wrong tree.”