US Moves Aircraft from Second UK Airbase Following Iran Threat

The US military moved aircraft from a second airbase in Britain on Monday following a reported threat from Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The development comes weeks after the US withdrew its bombers from RAF Fairford following a suspected Iran-linked security incident.

Two US refuelling tankers operating from RAF Mildenhall diverted to Germany earlier on Monday. Several other tankers at the base were also relocated to Germany and other locations later in the day, according to the report.

The precise nature of the reported threat to RAF Mildenhall remains under discussion among US officials, the newspaper said.

Britain and US Yet to Confirm Details

A British Ministry of Defence spokesperson declined to comment directly on the reported movements.

“We do not routinely comment on the activity of other nations. Aircraft and other assets move regularly according to operational requirements,” the spokesperson said.

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The Pentagon and US European Command did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. The requests were sent outside regular business hours.

Earlier Security Incident at RAF Fairford

The latest aircraft movements follow a security incident near RAF Fairford in southwest England in September.

British authorities arrested five men outside the airbase, followed by two more on suspicion of assisting Iranian intelligence. The circumstances of the incident remain largely unexplained.

The incident attracted international attention amid heightened concerns about security risks linked to the war between the United States and Iran.

Following the incident, the US withdrew its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford on security grounds. The base had been used by American bombers to launch strikes against Iran.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said last month that the activity at RAF Fairford was likely coordinated in Iran. Tehran’s ambassador to Britain denied the allegation.

The reported relocation from RAF Mildenhall adds to security concerns surrounding US military assets stationed in Britain as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue.