US pulls B-1 bombers from UK base after Iran-linked terror threat

Britain and the United States moved on Monday to calm tensions after Washington suddenly withdrew B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in southwest England. The Pentagon confirmed on Sunday that all the bombers, which had been used for limited, so-called "defensive" strikes against Iran, were sent back to their home bases in America.

Speaking to reporters Monday, President Donald Trump said the decision followed indications of a possible threat, and that relocating the aircraft eased that risk. He said the US knew who was behind the threat and that those responsible were linked to Iran, while adding that he still considers Britain a safe location for American forces.

UK counter-terrorism police are investigating a suspected plot against the base that the government believes involves Tehran. Six men, including a British-Iranian national, were arrested after a Sept. 27 incident in which police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles near the base; all have since been released on bail as the investigation continues.

Wider strains

The withdrawal comes amid months of frustration within the Trump administration over UK defense spending. Britain has not yet laid out a path to reach NATO's target of 3.5% of GDP on defense by 2035, currently spending around 2.7%. The UK has also been excluded from a NATO subgroup convened by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby, which is due to meet again in Poland this month. Colby said last month that London needs to make the case to its own public for higher military spending.

The US is separately conducting a broad review of its military posture across European NATO members, including Britain. Washington has also expressed anger that the UK did not send warships to support the American blockade of Iranian shipping in the Middle East.

The Pentagon said the bombers remain capable of delivering precision strikes globally, including from the US mainland, but analysts noted the withdrawal complicates any future strikes on Iran since aircraft would need to fly a far longer route from the continental United States. The US is meanwhile building up additional forces in the region, including a third aircraft carrier and thousands of Marines.