Fairford

The United States has deployed a massive bomber force to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, including B-1 Lancers and B-52 Stratofortresses, as the Trump administration escalates military operations against Iran. The deployment comes amid conflicting statements from US and UK officials about the nature of operations from British bases and the UK's role in the conflict.

The United Kingdom has agreed to allow the United States to use British military bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites, marking a significant policy shift following an Iranian drone attack on a British base in Cyprus.

A US Air Force bomber declared an in-flight emergency while traveling over England's south coast, issuing a universal distress signal. The aircraft, which departed from RAF Fairford, was observed circling and descending before returning to base, with the cause of the emergency unconfirmed.

The United States has reportedly deployed B-1 bombers to RAF Fairford in the UK, with the UK government restricting their use to defensive operations amid rising tensions with Iran.

Peace groups will protest at RAF Fairford on March 7 as the UK allows US strikes on Iran from British bases, amid criticism of the government's military response and a rescue operation for citizens in the Gulf.