The United States has relocated several military aircraft from a base in the United Kingdom in response to an increased security posture linked to threats from Iran. A US official confirmed to NBC News that planes departed from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, eastern England, as the installation moved under enhanced force protection measures. The official did not speculate on the specific nature of the threat that prompted the heightened security.
Flight tracking data indicates that at least eight air refueling tankers and three Ospreys left the base on Monday, November 9. The tankers, identified as Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers, were redistributed to airbases in Germany and Spain, with one aircraft moved to the area near Glasgow Prestwick Airport in Scotland. Meanwhile, the Ospreys were transferred to the nearby RAF Lakenheath, also located in Suffolk.
The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on these movements, citing sources familiar with the matter who stated the evacuation followed a direct threat from Iran. According to the report, the exact nature of the threat remains under discussion among US officials and has not yet been fully determined.
This relocation follows a similar move just weeks earlier, when the US withdrew bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. That previous action occurred after police foiled a suspected terror plot linked to Iran and following reports of a possible Iranian drone attack. The US has utilized British bases to conduct strikes against the Islamic Republic, making these installations strategic targets.
In response to questions about the move, a US official told NBC News that the department takes proactive steps to ensure the safety of its aircraft, personnel, and installations. A separate official from US European Command noted that Air Force aircraft rotate between locations for various reasons, including training and operational requirements. The command stated that aircraft are hosted in accordance with agreements with allies and partners, but further details on asset movement would be withheld due to operations security.
A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defense said it does not routinely comment on the activities of other nations. The spokesperson added that aircraft and other assets move regularly based on operational requirements.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed reporters on Monday, stating that Washington has addressed concerns regarding reported threats from Tehran against American diplomats overseas by moving personnel away from potential danger. Rubio emphasized that the US is always concerned about the safety of its personnel and families abroad and will act when threats exceed a certain threshold.
President Donald Trump also commented on Monday, indicating that there is new momentum behind negotiations to end the war with Iran. The conflict began after the US and Israel launched an attack on the Islamic Republic in February. Trump described Iran as militarily effective over following a meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.
The President further noted that additional US attacks would not be necessary at this stage, though Washington remains prepared should circumstances change. Tehran has previously denied involvement in the plot against RAF Fairford and has vowed retaliation for any US attacks, threatening to expand its response beyond the Middle East.
