US bombers have flown over Swindon on Easter Sunday, following a concerning statement from the Iranian ambassador about RAF Fairford's role in the Iran war.
The B-1 Lancer aircraft is one of a number of US bombers which have been seen flying low over Swindon in recent weeks, heading to and from the nearby RAF Fairford.
The RAF airfield is now being considered as a "legitimate target" in the unfolding Middle East conflict, according to a statement by the Iranian ambassador in which he directly referenced Fairford.
Swindon residents described 'windows shaking' at the loud sound of the B-1 engines on Easter morning and increased military activity overhead.
RAF Fairford first became involved in the ongoing conflict between the USA and Iran when UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer granted US President Donald Trump permission to use the airfield to hit missile sites in the Middle East.
This was originally only for "defensive" attacks on missile sites targeting British interests.
Starmer has since expanded the US's use of the site to include specific Iranian targets, including missile sites and capabilities which threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Now, the Iranian ambassador has told the UK that Tehran is “considering” whether RAF Fairford is a legitimate target in the unfolding conflict.
“The initial position made by Prime Minister Starmer is very good,” Seyed Ali Mousavi, UK ambassador for Iran, told Times Radio.
“Unfortunately, now we have realised that the British Fairford military base has been serving for the B2 and B1, you know, jets of the American side to be equipped by the different weapons to use against the Iranian people.
“It’s very unfortunate.”
Asked whether British bases and assets were “legitimate targets”, Mr Mousavi replied: “This is the very important matter we are considering.
“This is a very important matter for our self-defence.”
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He added Iranian military authorities “will decide appropriately” what course of action they will take, adding any final decision “depends on” UK activities.
Prior to the war breaking out, RAF Fairford was best known for hosting the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), which is the world’s biggest military air show and sees thousands of families descend on the site each year.
When last approached by the Swindon Advertiser, a spokesperson for RIAT said that plans for the 2026 show in July are unchanged.
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