The Pentagon confirmed on Sunday that all US bombers deployed to RAF Fairford had redeployed to their home stations in the United States. A Pentagon statement said operational security had prevented it from confirming the movement in real time.
On Monday, President Donald Trump said the aircraft "didn't fly out by accident". "There were some threats," he told reporters at the White House. "Rather than tempting the enemy, we'll capture the enemy and beat the enemy. But why should we leave them there? So we moved them around a little bit. Not very far."
Trump said the US "actually knows the people who made the threat" and that they "would be linked to Iran". He declined to confirm reports that the threat involved attack drones, saying only: "I can't tell you that but if they did they'll suffer greatly."
The exact nature of the threat remains undisclosed, and US officials have offered differing accounts. Vice President JD Vance said the bombers were moved "out of an abundance of caution, trying to protect our guys", linking the threat to what he called Iran's record of terrorism. But Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he "wouldn't directly tie" the withdrawal to the suspected plot, describing it as a "regular rotation" of assets.
According to US officials quoted by the New York Times, commanders had received new threats about an Iran-backed plot, with the sense of urgency spiking in the 24 hours before the withdrawal. Another source familiar with the situation said the departure was not a scheduled rotation.
The move follows a counter-terrorism investigation launched after police were called to the Gloucestershire base on 27 September following reports of suspicious vehicles. Five men were arrested near the base, and a sixth man, a dual UK-Iranian national, was arrested in London on 1 October on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts. All six have been released on bail pending further inquiries. Police said no explosive devices were found, though a quantity of petrol was recovered.
Trump criticised the decision to release the suspects on bail, saying the US "would not have released them".
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said last week there were "strong indications that Iran played a part" in the incident. His official spokesperson insisted the base was safe, saying the UK has "tried and tested approaches to defend our bases around the country and throughout the world".
Iran's embassy in London said it "categorically rejects and strongly condemns" speculation that Tehran was involved.
What is confirmed: the bombers have returned to the US; six men were arrested and released on bail; the counter-terrorism investigation continues. What remains unknown: the specific nature of the threat, whether attack drones were involved, and any evidence publicly linking the arrested men to Iran. What is awaited: charging decisions from UK counter-terrorism police and any further official explanation for the withdrawal.