The United States has relocated more than a dozen military aircraft from a second British airbase following reports of a potential security threat linked to Iran, raising fresh concerns about the safety of American military installations in the United Kingdom amid continuing tensions in the Middle East.

The aircraft were moved from the Royal Air Force (RAF) Mildenhall base in Suffolk, eastern England, on Monday, November 9, following what the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) described as a threat from Iran.

The development was reported by the Wall Street Journal, which cited people familiar with the matter. The precise nature of the alleged threat, however, remains unclear and is reportedly still under discussion among American officials.

Sky News reported that 12 aircraft, comprising nine Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft and three Osprey transport aircraft, departed RAF Mildenhall on Monday, citing flight-tracking information.

The Associated Press subsequently reported that 13 aircraft had been relocated, following confirmation from US officials that the military had moved aircraft from the base because of a threat.

The aircraft were dispersed to different locations, including military installations in Germany and Spain, while the Osprey aircraft were transferred to nearby RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk. One tanker was also reported at RAF Prestwick in Scotland.

The relocation represents the second major withdrawal of American military aircraft from a British airbase in recent weeks, following the departure of US B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire amid security concerns associated with Iran.

The latest development comes as the United States continues to assess potential security risks to its military personnel, equipment and installations following the outbreak of hostilities with Iran in late February.

RAF Mildenhall Aircraft Relocation Follows Reported Iran Threat

According to the Wall Street Journal, American military authorities ordered the relocation of aircraft from RAF Mildenhall after receiving information about a possible Iranian threat.

However, the newspaper reported that the precise nature of the threat remained under discussion among US officials.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the reported evacuation.

A British Ministry of Defence spokesperson also declined to provide specific details about the movement of American military equipment, explaining that the government does not routinely discuss the operational activities of other countries.

“We do not routinely comment on the activity of other nations.

“Aircraft and other assets move regularly according to operational requirements,” the spokesperson told AFP.

The statement reflects Britain’s position that movements of military aircraft and other equipment can occur for different operational reasons and should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of an imminent security incident.

Nevertheless, the timing of the relocation, following reports of an Iranian threat, has attracted considerable attention among security analysts and international observers.

US Withdraws Aircraft From Second British Base in Weeks

The relocation from RAF Mildenhall follows an earlier withdrawal of American B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford, another British airbase used by the United States military.

The earlier incident occurred after a security scare at the Gloucestershire installation in September, when suspicious vehicles were reportedly observed near the facility.

British authorities subsequently arrested seven people, including a British-Iranian national, in connection with an alleged plot targeting the military installation.

Counter-terrorism police later charged two individuals with national security offences relating to the suspected operation.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) “almost certainly directed” the earlier incident.

However, Iran has denied involvement in the alleged plot.

The previous withdrawal of American bombers and the latest relocation of aircraft from RAF Mildenhall have intensified concerns about possible threats against military facilities used by Washington in Britain.

The incidents also highlight the security challenges facing the United States and its European allies as the conflict with Iran continues to influence military planning and international relations.