US aircraft evacuated from second UK base due to Iran threat, WSJ reports

The US military moved aircraft out of a second British airbase on Monday following a reported threat from Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The move comes weeks after a suspected Iran-linked security incident at RAF Fairford led to the withdrawal of US bombers from the base.

Two US refuelling tankers operating from RAF Mildenhall were diverted to Germany earlier on Monday. Several other tankers based at the facility were later moved to Germany and other locations, according to the report.

The exact nature of the threat to RAF Mildenhall remains unclear, with US officials still discussing the matter, the Journal said.


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A spokesperson for Britain's Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the reported movements, saying the country does not routinely discuss the activities of other nations. The spokesperson added that aircraft and other military assets are regularly moved depending on operational requirements.

The latest development follows a security incident at RAF Fairford in southwest England in September, when five British men were arrested outside the airbase.

The incident prompted the US military to withdraw its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford over security concerns.

The airbase had previously been used by US bombers to carry out strikes against Iran.