US Vice President Says US Bombers Moved From UK Out of 'Abundance of Caution'

AP

US Vice-President JD Vance.

US Vice President JD Vance said on Monday that the decision to move B-1 bombers from a British airbase was made “out of an abundance of caution” following a suspected Iranian plot at the site last week.

The aircraft had been stationed at RAF Fairford, the preferred European base for US bombers, and had recently been used in US strikes on Iran. Five British men were arrested near the base last week.

"So, what you saw there is the Secretary of War, out of an abundance of caution, trying to protect our guys," Vance said as he left Washington for a trip to Alaska.

"We do feel with some confidence that the Iranians are, you know, they're trying to do what the Iranian state has done for 49 years, which is engaged in acts of terrorism against the United States (and others), so we are being extremely cautious, and that's all I'd say about that."

Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there was no direct link between the sudden removal of the ⁠bombers and the suspected Iranian plot. He said the Pentagon is "constantly reallocating resources where they need to be."

While much about the incident remains unexplained, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said any plot was likely backed by Iran.

Iran has said accusations that it was involved in any plot are baseless, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi wrote on X: "I can confirm Iran's belief that releasing supposed terrorists working for foreign states really says it all. You're barking up the wrong tree."

Rubio said on Monday the US had confidence in the security of all its bases.

Fairford, located 90 miles (145 km) west of London, is one of the most important in Europe for the US, being one of only a few suitable for heavy bombers such as the B-1 aircraft. It has played a key role in previous US campaigns in the Middle East, although its bombers are not stationed there permanently.

During the current conflict, the US had permission to use Fairford only to strike Iranian missile sites that were attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz, or so-called defensive strikes. London had refused permission for the US to use British bases for offensive strikes on Iran.

That approach has strained ties between the US and Britain, typically one of Washington's ‌closest allies.

In the early hours of 27 September, five British men in their ⁠20s were arrested after being seen running into fields from three white vans parked near the base. Police said no explosive devices were found but a quantity of petrol was present.

The men have since been released on bail. A sixth man, a dual UK-Iranian national arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts four days later, has also been released on bail.

US President Donald Trump said at the time of the first arrests that the plot had planned "big damage" and that it might have ⁠been connected to Iran. Trump later said he would not have released the suspects on bail.

The Wall Street Journal first reported the removal of the US bombers.

Source: Reuters



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