US moves aircraft from RAF Mildenhall after Iran threat, WSJ reports

The US military evacuated aircraft from an airbase in the UK on Monday after a threat from Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

What happened

The Wall Street Journal reported that the US removed military aircraft from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk following a threat from Iran. Two US refuelling tankers using RAF Mildenhall diverted to Germany on Monday morning. Several other tankers were moved to Germany and other locations later in the day, according to flight-tracking data and another official.

The nature of the threat is under discussion among US officials, and it is not yet clear whether the threat is imminent or more general, sources familiar with the matter told the Wall Street Journal.

Official statements

A US Air Force spokesperson did not provide details in a statement that aircraft rotate between installations and operating locations for a variety of reasons. The White House referred questions to the Pentagon.

A British ministry of defense spokesperson said: "We do not routinely comment on the activity of other nations. Aircraft and other assets move regularly according to operational requirements."

Context

Last month, the US Air Force removed its bombers stationed at RAF Fairford in England following an investigation into an alleged planned terror attack at the base, which was used in operations against Iran. UK officials say proxies linked to Iran have been behind a string of arson and other attacks in Britain and other countries, many of them targeting the Jewish community and intended to sow fear. They have previously warned that Tehran could expand its targets in the UK if conflicts in the Middle East continue.

Why it matters

The evacuation of aircraft from a second UK base indicates heightened concern among US officials about potential threats to American military assets in Britain. The movement of refuelling tankers and other aircraft to Germany and other locations suggests a precautionary repositioning while officials assess the nature and seriousness of the threat from Iran.

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Sources

• mirror.co.uk: US evacuates aircraft from RAF Mildenhall base after 'threat from Iran' - The Mirror
• centraloregondaily.com: US aircraft evacuated from second UK base due to Iran threat, WSJ reports | National/World | centraloregondaily.com
• timesofisrael.com: US evacuates military aircraft from 2nd British base due to threat from Iran -- report | The Times of Israel
• investing.com: US aircraft evacuated from second UK base due to Iran threat, WSJ reports By Reuters
• news.az: US military evacuates aircraft from second UK base over Iran threat: Report | News.az
• timesofindia.indiatimes.com: US evacuates aircraft from UK air base after Iran threat: Report - The Times of India

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.