Trump says 'threats' forced US to pull B-1 bombers from UK base

· Security · United States · United Kingdom

President Donald Trump said fresh threats of terror attacks prompted the US to move its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in England, contradicting his top diplomat who had earlier described the move as a regular rotation. At least 10 B-1 bombers used in the Iran conflict flew out on Sunday after an investigation into an alleged planned attack on the base; five men in three vans were reportedly detained nearby. The Senate Intelligence Committee was not briefed on the move, its vice chairman Mark Warner said, warning it could hand Iran a propaganda win. UK officials insisted the base was safe.

Why it matters:The episode exposes confusion in US-UK coordination and intelligence sharing during the Iran war, and could embolden Tehran's narrative.

Key points

  • At least 10 B-1 bombers left RAF Fairford on Sunday after a terror investigation.
  • Trump cited 'threats'; Secretary of State Rubio had called it a routine rotation.
  • Sen. Warner said the Intelligence Committee was not briefed on the move.

Sources (original reporting)

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