Iran is reportedly planning further attacks on American military installations in Britain, prompting the Pentagon to relocate aircraft from another Royal Air Force base amid growing security concerns.
At least 12 US military aircraft have been withdrawn from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, including nine air-to-air refuelling tankers, following intelligence about potential threats from Tehran.
The aircraft were moved on Monday to other military installations in Britain, Germany and Spain as American authorities reassessed security arrangements around their bases.
Pentagon Moves Aircraft Amid Growing Iranian Threat
The withdrawal from RAF Mildenhall followed concerns within the US military about Iran’s alleged plans to target American military facilities in the UK.
Sources told the Daily Mail that Tehran is believed to be considering further operations against US bases, potentially using criminal proxies operating in Britain to carry out low-level attacks.
The alleged plans are said to have been encouraged by the disruption caused by an earlier suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire in September.
Although there was reportedly no direct threat against RAF Mildenhall, American officials decided to relocate aircraft rather than risk leaving valuable military equipment and personnel exposed.
The Pentagon is expected to maintain its cautious approach and could move additional aircraft as it continues assessing potential security risks.
RAF Mildenhall Houses Key US Refuelling Operations
RAF Mildenhall is home to the 100th Air Refuelling Wing, the only permanently stationed US air refuelling wing in Europe’s combat zone.
The unit operates KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, which provide aerial refuelling capabilities for American military operations.
The relocation involved several aircraft leaving the Suffolk installation, with at least one US Air Force jet subsequently spotted at Prestwick Airport in Scotland.
The movements come as American military authorities remain concerned about the vulnerability of their installations in Britain.
MI5 Chief Warns Iran Is Targeting Military Installations
The latest concerns follow warnings from MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum about a shift in Iran’s alleged targeting ambitions.
In a speech at the security agency’s Thames House headquarters last month, Sir Ken indicated that Tehran was increasingly looking beyond its previous targets, which included Jewish and Israeli communities, dissidents, journalists and individuals considered opponents of the Iranian regime.
He warned that Iran was now seeking to target more challenging locations, including military installations.
Sir Ken also suggested that the alleged operation against RAF Fairford was not an isolated incident in Britain.
RAF Fairford Suspected Plot Triggered Major Security Response
The September incident at RAF Fairford resulted in a major incident being declared after five men were arrested in connection with a suspected plot.
The suspects were travelling in three vans believed to have been targeting the Gloucestershire airbase.
The vehicles were initially thought to contain explosives, but investigators later established that there was only one container of petrol.
The alleged operation was reportedly directed by an Iranian handler, although the suspected plot itself was not considered sophisticated.
Nevertheless, the incident had significant consequences for US military operations at the base.
Following the arrests, the American military withdrew its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford.
The installation had previously been used by the US to launch airstrikes against Iran during the Middle East conflict.
Security sources believe the disruption demonstrated how relatively unsophisticated operations involving criminal intermediaries could force significant changes to American military arrangements.
More Than 12,000 US Personnel Operate Across British Bases
More than 12,000 American military personnel are stationed in Britain, operating from over a dozen military installations.
However, protecting these facilities presents considerable challenges because of the large areas they occupy.
Aircraft stationed at some of the bases can also be seen from publicly accessible locations, potentially making them vulnerable to surveillance.
Security concerns surrounding the installations are expected to remain even if the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran comes to an end.
Whitehall sources have indicated that the threat to American military interests in Britain could continue beyond the conclusion of the conflict.
Trump Reports Progress Towards Ending Iran Conflict
US President Donald Trump announced earlier this week that Washington was seeing positive momentum towards ending its conflict with Iran.
His comments came as concerns continued over potential threats against American military installations and personnel overseas.
Despite the reported progress towards ending hostilities, British officials remain concerned about the possibility of further Iranian-linked operations on UK soil.
Alicia Kearns, the shadow foreign minister, criticised the UK’s approach to defence, saying: “Until Burnham grows a backbone and takes defence seriously, our allies won’t trust us.”
Meanwhile, a US official sought to explain the movement of aircraft between military installations, saying American Air Force aircraft routinely rotate between bases and operating locations for various reasons.
Hegseth Rejects Impeachment Effort Over Iran War
Separately, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth criticised efforts to impeach him over the American military campaign against Iran.
Speaking in Washington, Hegseth dismissed the proposed impeachment proceedings as a political stunt.
He accused Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who is behind the proposed impeachment vote, of attempting to sabotage the administration and cause damage to President Trump.
Hegseth also defended the US military campaign, insisting that America had achieved a “flawless” victory against Iran.
