Original Source
US Intensifies Air Strikes on Iran from UK Base, Deploying B-1B and B-52 Bombers
US Military Intensifies Air Strikes on Iran, Deploys Bombers
The United States is intensifying its air campaign against Iran, deploying strategic bombers to the United Kingdom for this purpose. A total of 15 US strategic bombers (12 B-1B Lancer bombers and 3 B-52 Stratofortress aircraft) are operating from the UK's RAF Fairford Air Base to strike Iran. These aircraft are participating in 'Operation Epic Fury'.
Operation Objectives and UK Government Stance
Footage from RAF Fairford Air Base shows B-1B bombers being armed with precision-guided munitions and bunker-buster warheads. These weapons are designed to strike hardened targets within Iran, such as underground bunkers, missile facilities, and fortified command centers. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially refused US use of British bases but later announced permission for use solely for 'defensive operations' against Iranian missile sites. However, the UK emphasized that it would not participate in offensive operations.
Strategic Significance
RAF Fairford Air Base is one of two UK airbases used by US forces, and the UK government has allowed the US to use it for defensive operations. US aircraft departing from this base cross Europe and the Mediterranean en route to the Middle East, subsequently striking targets deep within Iran. With the bombers stationed in the UK, the United States can conduct more frequent and sustained attack missions against Iran, signaling a shift from previous long-range cruise missile launches to direct bombing. The United States is one of three nations, along with Russia and China, that operate long-range strategic bombers.
*Source: YouTube: WION (2026-03-13)*
