Key development: The US has pulled all its bombers out of RAF Fairford in England — the base it’s been using to strike Iran — after investigators found a suspected terror plot against it.
Military Operations
(Update) The US just flew all its bombers out of RAF Fairford after a suspected terror plot against the base. That’s one of the main launchpads for strikes on Iran, so emptying it out changes US bomber posture there; the UK prime minister has publicly tied the incident to Iran, while the US Air Force frames the withdrawal around its investigation into a planned attack. (The Hindu; DW)
Context: Fairford has been a key staging base for US bomber runs against Iran. The US Air Force brought the bombers home after investigating the suspected plot, which UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham called “highly likely” Iranian-linked and which prompted the UK to summon Iran’s ambassador. What changed: earlier reporting covered the suspected plot and the attribution debate; now the Air Force has physically withdrawn the aircraft — the bombers are back home.
Diplomacy
Iran’s president says Iran isn’t chasing nukes and is open to talks. The statement is a public signal from Tehran, but it is reported by a single outlet and does not by itself establish that negotiations will follow. (Middle East Eye) [UNCONFIRMED]
Context: President Masoud Pezeshkian said Friday that Iran isn’t seeking nuclear weapons and is “ready for dialogue.” Only one outlet is carrying this so far, and it’s a live-blog item, so treat the framing as unconfirmed until more sources land.
Sources: Middle East Eye
What to watch: Whether investigators determine if the Fairford plot is isolated or part of a broader threat to US bases in Europe, and whether Washington engages with Pezeshkian’s stated readiness for dialogue.