US President Donald Trump on Monday said an Iran-linked threat prompted the United States to move its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Britain, describing the decision as a precautionary measure.
Speaking to reporters about the withdrawal, Trump said American officials had received information about a possible threat.
"We had an idea that there might be a threat, and why would I leave them there? It costs very little money to move them."
"So we had a threat, and if we are going to be threatened, we just move them, and that sort of alleviates that. And we actually know the people that made the threat," he added.
Asked whether those behind the threat were linked to Iran, Trump replied, "They would be linked to Iran."
B-1 bombers moved to US bases
The US Air Force moved the bombers from RAF Fairford after an investigation into a suspected terror attack at the British airbase, the Associated Press reported.
A Pentagon official cited by the report said the aircraft were redeployed to their home bases in the US.
The development comes after a security incident at RAF Fairford in September. Last week, a dual British-Iranian national was arrested in London on suspicion of plotting a terror attack. Five other people were also taken into custody before being released, according to the report.
The B-1 bombers had been stationed at RAF Fairford and were recently involved in US strikes against Iran, Reuters reported.
Vance, Rubio offer differing assessments
US Vice President JD Vance said the move was part of heightened caution over possible Iranian activity.
"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," Vance said.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, said there was no direct link between the bomber withdrawal and the suspected Iranian plot. He said the Pentagon is "constantly reallocating resources where they need to be".
Iranian Foreign minister Abbas Araqchi has rejected suggestions of Iranian involvement, writing 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."