The United States 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.
Two US refuelling tankers operating from RAF Mildenhall diverted to Germany earlier on Monday. Several other tankers stationed at the base were later moved to Germany and other locations.
The reported relocation comes weeks after Washington withdrew its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford following a suspected Iran-linked security incident.
Iran-Related Threat at RAF Mildenhall
The precise nature of the reported threat to RAF Mildenhall remains under discussion among US officials, according to the Wall Street Journal.
A spokesperson for Britain’s Ministry of Defence said the country did not routinely comment on the military activities of other nations.
“Aircraft and other assets move regularly according to operational requirements,” the spokesperson added.
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The Pentagon and US European Command did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment, which were sent outside regular business hours.
Previous Security Incident at RAF Fairford
The latest development follows a security incident near RAF Fairford in southwest England, where five men were arrested in September. Two others were subsequently arrested on suspicion of assisting Iranian intelligence.
Authorities have not fully explained the circumstances surrounding the incident. It has attracted international attention amid heightened security concerns linked to the conflict between the United States and Iran.
Washington later withdrew its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford on security grounds. The British airbase had previously been used by US bombers to carry out strikes on Iran.
UK Raises Concerns Over Suspected Iran-Linked Activity
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said last month that the activity at RAF Fairford was likely to have been coordinated in Iran.
However, Iran’s ambassador to Britain denied the allegation.
The reported relocation of aircraft from RAF Mildenhall marks another security development involving US military facilities in Britain amid concerns over potential threats linked to the conflict with Tehran.
