US moves aircraft from RAF Mildenhall amid Iranian threat, WSJ reports

The United States evacuated several refueling tankers from the Royal Air Force Mildenhall base in eastern England on Monday, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. Two tankers were diverted to Germany early in the day, and additional aircraft were moved to Germany and other locations later.

The move follows the September removal of bombers from RAF Fairford after a security incident involving men in white vans, which prosecutors said included an attempt to assist Iranian intelligence. The exact nature of the latest threat to Mildenhall remains under discussion among U.S. officials.

U.S. European Command declined to comment on specific movements, stating that aircraft are routinely relocated for various reasons and that operational security prevents discussion of particular force-protection measures.

According to the report, the security posture at RAF Mildenhall and nearby RAF Lakenheath was raised to Force Protection Condition (FPCON) Charlie, the second-highest threat level, indicating intelligence of a likely terrorist action.

British education minister Lucy Powell said she could not comment on “ongoing operation matters,” adding that the UK takes the security and safety of its bases seriously and will act on intelligence as needed.

The White House and the Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours.