President Donald Trump stated that fresh threats of terror attacks prompted the United States to move its B-1 bombers from their base in the UK. These military aircraft, which have been used in strikes on Iran, were relocated after Washington received additional threats. This statement contradicted the president's top diplomat, who had previously described the movement of the bombers as part of a regular rotation.
The bombers were removed following suspicious activity near RAF Fairford, which led to a counter-terrorism investigation. It has been reported that Iran ordered a complex drone attack as part of a plot to kill personnel at the base, including U.S. pilots.
President Trump has since criticized the decision by UK authorities to release six men on bail after they were arrested following an incident near the airbase. Despite these concerns, an official spokesman for British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has insisted that RAF Fairford was safe.