The US launched a B-1 bomber from RAF Fairford to strike IRGC-linked targets — the first UK-based mission since the conflict resumed and the first under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The strike comes after a separate US attack at the Shalamcheh crossing that killed two and injured 11, and amid Iranian threats of "eye for an eye" retaliation. Washington is reportedly preparing additional forces and medics for the region while Congress moves to provide roughly $73 billion in extra defense funding.
US Launches B-1 Bomber From RAF Fairford To Strike IRGC Targets — First UK-Based Mission Under Prime Minister Burnham
The US launched its mission from RAF Fairford air base in Gloucestershire on Tuesday - Hannah McKay/Reuters
The United States deployed a B-1 long-range bomber from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire to strike targets linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), officials said. Sources told Axios it was the first such mission flown from UK soil since the conflict resumed and the first under Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Mission Details and UK Access
According to civilian flight-tracking websites and reporting, the B-1 — an aircraft capable of carrying roughly two dozen 2,000lb bombs — departed RAF Fairford on Tuesday to conduct the strike. Bloomberg reported that Mr Burnham has continued the previous government's policy allowing US forces to use RAF Fairford and the US airfield on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands for what are described as "defensive strikes."
That policy has been politically contentious at home: Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has expressed opposition to allowing US bomber missions to operate from UK bases, a stance that reportedly created tension on the National Security Council and concern in Washington when he was appointed.
Escalation, Casualties and Tehran's Response
In a separate overnight action, a US strike at the Shalamcheh border crossing into Iraq killed two people and injured 11. The crossing lies roughly 700 miles from the Strait of Hormuz and the strike occurred as many civilians were gathering ahead of a Shia religious holiday.
Abbas Araghchi, Iran's deputy foreign minister: "Our defence doctrine is clear: eye for an eye. Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response. Those who contribute to such aggression, whatever the kind of support, will also be considered as legitimate targets."
Iranian state outlets and military sources warned of retaliation, including potential attacks on US regional infrastructure. Tasnim quoted a military source saying Tehran planned to strike US facilities in reprisal.
Andy Burnham has agreed to allow the US to use the Diego Garcia airfield in the Chagos Islands for 'defensive strikes' - Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrol/US Marine Corps via Getty
US Preparations And Congressional Funding
US officials told The Wall Street Journal that Washington is considering further escalation, including deploying special operations forces, medical teams and additional weaponry to the Middle East. Squadrons of jet fighters have been positioned across the region, and bomber aircraft at US and UK bases have been placed on high alert.
More than 150 medical personnel have been dispatched to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Centre in Germany, the primary European treatment facility for injured US service members, after four American soldiers were killed over the weekend.
On Capitol Hill, the US House of Representatives passed a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill intended to sustain military operations and fund additional conflict-related costs. The measure would facilitate roughly $73 billion in extra appropriations for the Pentagon and intelligence agencies; proponents argued it was necessary for troop and equipment needs, while critics said it enabled unchecked escalation.
Assessment Of Iranian Capabilities
Analysts and reporting have documented that Iran's recent strikes have inflicted targeted damage on US facilities across the region. A New York Times analysis of nine US locations struck by Iranian forces found damage to living quarters, work areas, drone shelters and radar installations — challenging claims that Tehran's capabilities were fully degraded.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides signaling readiness to strike strategic infrastructure and with diplomatic and political tensions rising in London, Washington and Tehran.
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