The United States withdrew a dozen B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford over the weekend, days after a suspected Iranian-linked drone plot in Britain was revealed.

President Donald Trump said on Monday the bombers did not leave by accident. Vice President JD Vance said the move was taken “out of an abundance of caution.”

The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had recruited British nationals to attack US bases with drones. Five British men were arrested near the base on September 27 and later released on bail.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplayed the link to the arrests, saying Iran has targeted US bases for years and he would not “directly tie” the two. The Pentagon confirmed the bombers were repositioned. The incident is the latest sign of rising Iran-UK tensions, after Britain sanctioned Iranian officials over recent killings.

The bombers were deployed to Britain as part of a routine rotation but left earlier than expected. UK officials said they take any threat to military bases seriously. The arrests near the base followed a surveillance operation, according to reports. Defence sources said the aircraft were moved to protect personnel and assets while the investigation continues.