# US pulls bombers from UK base after terror plot arrest

> The Pentagon removed B-1 Lancers from RAF Fairford a week after five men were arrested nearby on suspicion of preparing attacks, in a plot British PM Andy Burnham said Iran likely backed.
- Title: US pulls bombers from UK base after terror plot arrest
- Summary: The Pentagon removed B-1 Lancers from RAF Fairford a week after five men were arrested nearby on suspicion of preparing attacks, in a plot British PM Andy…
- Keywords: raf fairford, b-1 lancer, us air force, iran, terrorism, andy burnham, pentagon, news, politics, pulls, bombers, base
- Source: Daily Maverick — https://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-10-05-us-removes-bombers-from-uk-base-at-centre-of-suspected-iranian-plot
- Author: Reuters
- Published: 2026-10-05T11:22:44+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: raf fairford, b-1 lancer, us air force, iran, terrorism, uk, andy burnham, pentagon, news, politics
## Bombers leave UK base after arrests
The US has removed B-1 Lancer bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, Britain, one week after five men were arrested nearby on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
## Burnham links plot to Iran
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the suspected plot was likely backed by Iran. The bombers had recently been used for US strikes on Iran before their removal.
## Five arrested, then released on bail
Five British men in their 20s were arrested in the early hours of September 27 after being seen running from three white vans parked near the base. All five have been released on bail.
## Trump criticises bail decision
US President Donald Trump said those involved had planned big damage and it might have been connected to Iran. He said he would not have released the suspects on bail.

> I wouldn't have done that.
## Iran denies any involvement
Iran said accusations it was involved in any plot are baseless. Foreign minister Abbas Araqchi wrote on X that releasing supposed terrorists working for foreign states says it all.

> 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.
## Pentagon confirms bombers returned home
A Pentagon spokesman said all US bombers deployed to RAF Fairford have re-deployed to their home stations in the United States. The Wall Street Journal reported they flew home because of security concerns.

> We can acknowledge now that all US bombers that were deployed to RAF Fairford have re-deployed to their home stations in the United States.
## Key takeaway

The US removed B-1 bombers from a British air base one week after five men were arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts in a suspected plot backed by Iran.