The United States removed the bombers that were stationed at an air base in the United Kingdom on Sunday after security concerns were reignited following an initial suspected terrorist plot, according to a U.S. official.
The Royal Air Force Fairford Base’s security was called into question last Sunday when five British nationals were arrested on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack near the air base, which has been used by the U.S. military to launch strikes throughout the conflict in Iran. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Thursday “there are strong indications that Iran played a part” in the incident, which the White House initially presumed. The men were released on bail the following day, a decision that was quickly criticized by President Donald Trump.
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“U.S. Air Force bombers routinely operate around the world to support global force readiness and operational requirements,” a Pentagon spokesperson said. “The Airmen that operate America’s bomber force, including B-1s, B-2s, and B52s, remain ready to deliver precision global strike capabilities — including through operations that launch and recover from the continental United States — anywhere, anytime.” The development that prompted the withdrawal was related to these broad concerns of an Iranian-backed terrorist plot, but a sense of urgency mounted over the last 24 hours, according to the New York Times. All the bombers have returned to their stations in the U.S.
A sixth man, a U.K.-Iranian dual citizen, was later arrested on Thursday in connection with the initial incident. Police had found a large quantity of gasoline inside three of the five vans seized during last Sunday’s arrests.
FIVE ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF TERRORISM ON BASE US USES IN THE UK: WHAT TO KNOW
President Donald Trump said on Saturday he “has a decision to make about Iran,” referring to a “hard way” and an “easy way.” Trump has remained steadfast in arguing the conflict’s domestic impacts do not affect his decision-making, and said late last week he may authorize a renewed bombing campaign once the midterm elections are over.
“Iran, as you know, is virtually giving up any plans of a nuclear weapon,” he also said in response to a question about the cost of living, as disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has caused higher gas prices since the conflict broke out in February. He argued the stubbornly high inflation, which is largely to blame for his low approval rating, was inherited from former President Joe Biden’s administration.
