US Moves Aircraft Out of UK Base Over Iranian Threat

In depth

Last month, 12 strategic bombers were removed from the British RAF Fairford base over concern about a plan to target pilots using drones. According to the reports, the backdrop was a suspicion that Iran's Revolutionary Guards planned to attack aircraft and kill American crew members, and suspects who allegedly acted on the instructions of a figure linked to Iranian intelligence were arrested.

On Monday, American refueling aircraft were moved from the Royal Air Force base at Mildenhall to Germany and other destinations, due to a threat from Iran that was not specified. According to the reports, at least nine refueling aircraft were moved from the base during the week, even though no direct threat to it had been identified, and the alert level at both bases was raised. The Pentagon preferred not to take risks, following information that Iran plans to continue striking American military facilities.

The move comes as Iran and the US hold indirect talks via Qatar. Refueling aircraft and Osprey aircraft continue to operate at the bases in Britain, and a more restrained tone is being heard in Washington, with Trump saying military action is not necessary at this time.