Symbolic imageUS pulls all bombers from RAF Fairford as London insists base is safe
The Pentagon confirmed that all US bombers have left RAF Fairford in England. Washington cites Iran-linked threats, while London says the base is safe.
All twelve B-1 bombers left on Sunday, 4 October, a week after five British men were arrested near the base on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. A sixth suspect, a dual UK-Iranian national, was arrested on 1 October; all were bailed. US officials told the New York Times they had new information on an Iran-backed plot, and some jets left so fast that tankers had to be scrambled. Trump cited "some threats", while Rubio would not directly tie the move to the arrests. Iran denies involvement.
London: base is safe
Downing Street said on Monday the base is safe, citing "tried and tested approaches". UK sources told the Guardian they know of no new threat and doubt Iran could stage a complex attack; police found no explosives, only petrol. A NATO source still sees an acute Iranian threat to US assets in the UK.
Warning for German bases
According to the New York Times, Israel warned Germany that US bases there, notably Ramstein and Spangdahlem, face a higher risk.
Other opinions
The National (UAE) quotes former British diplomats who call the withdrawal a success for Iran.