US pulls aircraft from second UK airbase 'over Iran threat'

The United States has removed aircraft from a second airbase in the United Kingdom due to a reported threat from Iran. This comes in the wake of earlier removals from RAF Fairford following a suspected Iran-linked security incident. Two US refueling tankers stationed at RAF Mildenhall were rerouted to Germany on Monday, while other tankers at the base were subsequently moved to other locations.

The Pentagon has raised the security level at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath to FPCON Charlie, indicating a high threat of terrorist action. Officials have not specified the nature of the threat against RAF Mildenhall. Both British and US military representatives declined to provide further details, stating that regular movements of assets are routine.

In September, five men were detained near RAF Fairford in connection with a security breach, with two more arrested later on suspicion of aiding Iranian intelligence. The incident remains shrouded in mystery, contributing to heightened global concerns about Iran's potential threats to Western nations. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggested the activity at RAF Fairford might have been orchestrated from Iran.

Despite Iran's ambassador denying involvement, Iranian officials have previously claimed the base could be targeted if it supported attacks against Iran. Iran has also been implicated in recent sabotage incidents across Europe, including attacks on supermarket freezers and blood banks.