US evacuates air refueling tankers from UK base over security concerns: Report

The United States reportedly moved several military aircraft from an air base in England to other locations in Europe after a reported security threat from Iran.The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that several U.S. military planes were diverted from Royal Air Force Mildenhall in eastern England following the threat.Two U.S. refueling tanker aircraft that had been operating out of Mildenhall diverted to Germany earlier in the morning, while several other tankers stationed at the base were moved to Germany and other locations later in the day, according to the report. The movements came during heightened concerns about possible Iranian threats against U.S. personnel and interests, though it remains unclear whether the reported threat was considered imminent or part of a broader security assessment.U.S. European Command said the aircraft movements were routine and declined to confirm an immediate security threat.“U.S. Air Force aircraft rotate between installations and operating locations for a variety of reasons, including training and real-world requirements. U.S. military aircraft are hosted in accordance with access, basing, and overflight agreements with our Allies and partners. Due to operational security, we will not provide further information on movement of assets,” a EUCOM spokesperson told the Washington Examiner.EUCOM also emphasized that officials continually assess security conditions at the installations and coordinate with British authorities on any necessary protective measures.“For operational security reasons, we are unable to discuss specific force protection measures. We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures are implemented or modified. In close partnership with our host nation allies, both RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath remain vigilant,” the spokesperson said.“Together, we are taking coordinated and appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our U.S. service members, U.S. and host nation civilians, contractors, and all of our families,” the spokesperson continued. “Protecting our shared community is a joint responsibility, and we encourage everyone to support this effort by reporting any unusual or suspicious activity to local authorities.”The Air Force did not respond to a request for comment.The reported aircraft movements come as the Trump administration has raised concerns about Iranian threats against American personnel in the Middle East. In late October, Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned the State Department that Iranian plans to attack U.S. personnel abroad were in “advanced stages.”Asked about security concerns Monday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration had responded by moving Americans away from possible danger.“We’ve addressed it by moving people away from the threat,” Rubio said.The developments also come during uncertainty over the prospects of renewed military confrontation between Washington and Tehran.President Donald Trump said Monday that a return to war with Iran was “unlikely,” pointing to progress in negotiations and the preference of Middle Eastern allies for maintaining a blockade on Iranian trade rather than escalating the conflict.“At this point, taking military action doesn’t seem to be a very necessary thing,” Trump told reporters at the White House.MASSIE REINTRODUCES ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT AGAINST HEGSETH. HERE’S WHAT HAPPENS NEXTThe president nevertheless warned that the U.S. remained prepared to respond if circumstances changed.“Should there be any change with respect to developments in the Middle East, the United States of America is ‘locked and loaded’ and ready to go,” Trump wrote in a social media post.