Brief

US pulls B‑1 bombers from RAF Fairford amid Iranian drone threat

US officials said a complex Iranian drone plot prompted the weekend redeployment of B‑1 bombers from RAF Fairford back to the United States.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 07 Oct 2026 05:22:05 GMT

U.S. forces withdrew a fleet of twelve B‑1 bombers from RAF Fairford in England over the weekend after intelligence indicated a possible Iranian drone attack, according to multiple reports.

What happened

The aircraft, stationed at the airfield about 90 miles west of London, were flown back to the United States as a precaution. The threat was described by U.S. officials as “complex, multipronged.”

What the reports add

The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times said the plot was allegedly devised by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to destroy U.S. aircraft and kill service members at the base. The New York Post linked the scheme to a prior terror plot involving five British nationals accused of planning a van bomb at the same site.

What was said

Vice President JD Vance told reporters the bombers were pulled “out of an abundance of caution” and added, “We do feel with some confidence that the Iranians are trying to do what the Iranian state has done for 49 years, which is engage in acts of terrorism against the United States and against a lot of other people as well.” British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” Iran was involved.

How it came about

The redeployment follows the foiled van‑bomb plot and echoes concerns that Iran may be inspired by Ukraine’s 2025 “Operation Spider Web” drone strikes against Russian bases.

Key facts

12 U.S. B‑1 bombers were removed from RAF Fairford and returned to the United States. (nypost.com)
U.S. officials described the Iranian drone threat as complex and multipronged. (nypost.com)
Vice President JD Vance said the pull‑out was an “abundance of caution.” (nypost.com)
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were strong indications of Iranian involvement. (nypost.com)
The plot was attributed to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. (nypost.com)