Trump Says Iran-Linked Threat Prompted US B-1 Bomber Withdrawal From UK Base

US President Donald Trump on Monday acknowledged that American B-1 bombers were moved from Britain’s RAF Fairford airbase following what he described as an Iran-linked threat.

Speaking to reporters about the relocation of the bombers, Trump said the US had received information about a potential threat and decided to move the aircraft as a precaution.

“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 said.

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

Asked whether the threat was linked to Iran, Trump replied, “They would be linked to Iran.”

Why Were US Bombers Moved From RAF Fairford?

The US Air Force relocated the B-1 bombers stationed at RAF Fairford following an investigation into a suspected terror plot involving the British airbase, the Associated Press reported Monday.

A Pentagon official cited by the report said the bombers were redeployed to their home bases in the United States.

The move came after a dual British-Iranian national was arrested in London last week on suspicion of plotting a terror attack following a security incident at RAF Fairford in September. Six people were initially taken into custody and later released, according to the report.

The B-1 bombers had been stationed at RAF Fairford and were recently used in US strikes against Iran, Reuters reported.

Vance Says US Taking Precautions

US Vice President JD Vance said earlier Monday that the decision to move the bombers was precautionary.

“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, according to Reuters.

Rubio Says No Direct Link Established

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, said there was no direct connection between the sudden relocation of the bombers and the suspected Iranian plot.

Rubio said the Pentagon is “constantly reallocating resources where they need to be,” according to Reuters.

The differing statements come amid heightened scrutiny over the security incident at RAF Fairford and allegations of Iranian involvement.

Iran Rejects Allegations

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi earlier rejected suggestions of Iranian involvement.

Writing on X on Thursday, Araqchi said, “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.”

His remarks came in response to UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s suggestion that there was a “strong indication” of Iranian involvement in the incident at RAF Fairford.