Iran drone plot fears led US to remove bombers from UK base, US officials say - Reuters

On 6 October, the United States withdrew its B‑1 bomber aircraft from a British airbase after intelligence indicated a suspected Iranian plan to launch a complex drone attack on the facility. The move was described as a precautionary response to the perceived threat.

Two U.S. officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the decision was taken to protect both the base and the aircraft from a potential hostile drone operation. They did not provide further details about the nature of the intelligence that prompted the action.

The suspected plot, attributed to Iran, involved the use of drones to target the base, which is regarded as a key installation for allied air operations in the region. The specifics of the drone capabilities or the intended timing of any attack were not disclosed.

The removal of the bombers underscores ongoing security coordination between the United States and the United Kingdom, reflecting heightened vigilance over possible aerial threats. Both governments have not indicated any immediate operational impact resulting from the aircraft’s relocation.

No additional information about the status of the B‑1 bombers after their departure or about any subsequent investigative steps has been released.