From the Liveblog of
Monday, October 5, 2026
Rubio, asked about US bombers leaving UK, says no direct link with suspected plot
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio says there is no direct link between the sudden removal of his country’s bombers from a British airbase and a suspected Iranian plot at the site last week.
The planes had been stationed at RAF Fairford, the preferred European base for US bombers, and had recently been used in US strikes on Iran. Last week five British men were arrested near the base – which Iran’s Revolutionary Guards previously said was a legitimate target – on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
“I wouldn’t just directly tie that to the move that was made,” Rubio tells reporters, when asked about the B1 bombers. “The Department of War is constantly reallocating resources where they need to be.”
A NATO military source had said on Monday: “It is still believed that Iran poses an acute threat to US assets in the UK.”
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.”
The Times of Israel Community.