The United States has urgently redeployed about a dozen B-1B Lancer bombers from RAF Fairford in Britain back to home stations in the U.S., following intelligence of an alleged Iranian-ordered drone plot targeting the base, according to multiple reports.
The withdrawal took place over the weekend of October 3–4. The Pentagon acknowledged the redeployment over the weekend.
President Donald Trump confirmed Monday that the move was driven by a threat. “They didn’t fly out by accident,” Trump said. “There were some threats and rather than tempting the enemy, we’ll capture the enemy and beat the enemy.” Asked whether Iran had planned a drone attack launched from British soil, Trump declined to confirm: “I can’t tell you that. If they did they will suffer greatly.”
According to The Wall Street Journal, the alleged plot was ordered by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which planned to recruit UK nationals. The operation was described as complex and multipronged — a diversion near the base paired with drones swarming the airfield, reportedly modeled on Ukraine’s Operation Spider Web drone strikes against Russian airbases in June 2025. The reported aim was to destroy aircraft and kill personnel, including American pilots.
British authorities have made a series of arrests in connection with the investigation. On September 27, five men were stopped in white vans near the base; petrol was found but no explosives, and all five were released on bail while remaining under investigation. On October 1, a dual British-Iranian national was arrested. On Tuesday, a 22-year-old British man was arrested in Westminster on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on September 30 there were “strong indications” of Iran’s involvement, though he stressed the investigation was ongoing and complex. Iran has denied any role. Downing Street has insisted the base remains secure.
The White House’s own messaging on the move has been mixed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio initially described the redeployment as “regular rotations,” but Trump publicly contradicted that characterization hours later, saying it was a direct response to a threat. Vice President JD Vance said Monday the aircraft were moved “out of an abundance of caution trying to protect our guys.”
RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire has been a key staging point for U.S. operations, offering a shorter flight distance for strikes on Iran. The U.S. has used the base extensively since the war in the Middle East began in February — Tuesday marks day 221 of the conflict. The dozen B-1Bs stationed there had been used in U.S. strikes against Iran.
Trump also said Monday he believes Iran was responsible for the recent FlyDubai cockpit incident.
Sources: The Times (UK), The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post
