Trump's First Comment on Pulling US B-1 Bombers from British Base

US President Donald Trump revealed that a threat linked to Iran was behind the United States' decision to withdraw its strategic bombers from the Royal Air Force base at "Fairford," a move coming amid rising security concerns regarding attacks on US interests and forces in Britain.

Trump said Washington received information about a threat, which led it to relocate the bombers from the British base rather than keep them in a location where they might be vulnerable.

The US President told journalists that moving the aircraft does not represent a significant cost compared to potential risks, adding that the United States knows the identity of those behind the threat.

When asked if the individuals who issued the threat were linked to Iran, Trump replied that they are "linked to Iran."

Iran denies any involvement
Iran firmly denies accusations of involvement in any plot to target the British base.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on the "X" platform that accusations against Tehran for standing behind the plot are baseless, criticizing what he described as the release of individuals suspected of being terrorists working for foreign states, and affirming that accusations directed at Iran are heading in the "wrong direction."

British authorities had arrested five British men in their twenties near "Fairford" base on September 27, on suspicion of involvement in activities related to explosives laws.

The arrests came after the men were seen fleeing towards adjacent fields from three white trucks parked near the base. Police said they did not find explosive devices but seized a quantity of gasoline.

The five men were later released on bail, as was a sixth man holding dual British and Iranian citizenship, who was arrested four days later on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.

"Fairford"... A pivotal base for US bombers
Airbase "Fairford," located approximately 145 kilometers west of London, is one of the most important US military facilities in Europe, being one of the few bases capable of hosting heavy B-1 bombers.

The base played an important role in several previous US military operations in the Middle East, although US bombers are not permanently stationed there.

During the current conflict, Britain allowed the United States to use the base to carry out defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz, while London refused to allow the use of its bases for offensive strikes against Iran.

This stance increased pressure on US-British relations, despite Britain traditionally being one of Washington's closest allies.

Bombers return to the United States
A Department of Defense official confirmed on Sunday that all bombers deployed at "Fairford" base have departed towards their bases within the United States.

The Pentagon emphasized that the US bomber force remains ready to execute precise long-range strikes "anywhere, anytime."

Press reports had indicated that the United States rushed during the weekend to transfer the bombers after military commanders received new warnings about an Iran-backed plot, noting that some aircraft left the base while aerial refueling tankers were still being prepared for movement.

Alternative military options
Analysts believe that returning the bombers to the United States may, in the short term, reduce the US military's ability to rapidly increase air sorties against Iran.

Trump speaks of a plot to cause "significant damage"

Trump had spoken, following the initial arrests near the base, about a plot aimed at causing "significant damage," indicating at that time a possible link to Iran.

Later, the US President expressed his objection to the decision to release the suspects on bail, saying he would not have approved their release in this manner.

In contrast, a senior NATO military official affirmed that the transfer of US bombers will not affect the alliance's ability to defend its members, stressing that its capacity to deal with any aggression remains intact due to the unity, strength, and combined military capabilities of the 32 member states.