The United States has returned all long range bombers stationed at Britain’s RAF Fairford to their home bases in the US following an unspecified new threat. The move comes as an investigation continues into an alleged Iranian plot targeting the UK airbase.

A US official confirmed the relocation but did not disclose details about the reported threat or explain why the aircraft were withdrawn.

The development comes days after British authorities arrested several people over an alleged Iranian plot linked to RAF Fairford, where the US aircraft had been deployed.

British police arrested five men near RAF Fairford on September 27 on suspicion of terror and explosives related offences. The suspects were British nationals aged between 23 and 25 from the London area and were later released on bail.

Iran has denied any involvement in the incident and rejected the allegations as baseless. Tehran also summoned the British ambassador following the claims.