US Bombers Rapidly Evacuated From UK Base Due to Specific Iran Threat

U.S. President Donald Trump revealed on Monday that a specific threat linked to Iran prompted the urgent evacuation of B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Britain. The aircraft have been returned to the United States. Trump, speaking to reporters before departing for Nebraska, stated he is "always open to direct talks with Iran." When questioned about an attempted hijacking of a Flydubai plane, he suggested Iran's involvement. U.S. officials had informed The Wall Street Journal that the military removed all B-1 bombers from the British base due to security concerns following a recent terror attack attempt. This move signifies a shift in U.S. strategy, as the base had been used as a launch point for operations against Iran, previously housing over ten B-1 bombers. According to The New York Times, the evacuation occurred with unusual speed over the weekend after U.S. commanders received new intelligence about an Iran-backed plot against the base. The urgency was so high that some bombers and their crews departed for the U.S. while aerial refueling tankers were still being prepared. A U.S. official told The Times that the new intelligence was part of warnings received about three weeks prior, but the urgency escalated significantly in the 24 hours before the evacuation. While U.S. officials declined to specify the details of the intelligence, it is believed to be an Iran-backed plot against the base. The U.S., Britain, Germany, and Israel assess that the plot is connected to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps or another military command in Tehran. Iran has denied these accusations.