The United States military evacuated multiple aircraft from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk on Monday following a reported threat from Iran, according to the Wall Street Journal and flight tracking data confirmed by Sky News.

Sky News defence and security editor Deborah Haynes reported that at least nine tanker aircraft and several other aircraft, including three CV-22 Ospreys, were removed from the base late on Monday afternoon and evening.

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Two US refuelling tankers diverted to Germany earlier on Monday, while additional tankers were relocated to Germany and other locations later in the day, sources familiar with the matter told the Journal.

The precise nature of the threat remains under discussion among US officials. It is not yet clear whether the danger was imminent or more general.

In response, the US upgraded the security posture at RAF Mildenhall and nearby RAF Lakenheath to Force Protection Condition Charlie, the second-highest defensive threat level. This indicates intelligence that a form of terrorist action is likely.

A British Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “We do not routinely comment on the activity of other nations. Aircraft and other assets move regularly according to operational requirements.

This is the second recent relocation of US aircraft from a British base linked to Iranian threats.

In early October, the US withdrew all B-1 Lancer bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after a suspected Iran-linked security incident.

Police arrested several men outside the base on 27 September, and US officials later confirmed the withdrawal followed threats, with possible concerns over a drone attack.

RAF Mildenhall is home to the US Air Force’s 100th Air Refueling Wing, the only permanently based US aerial refuelling wing in Europe.

It operates KC-135 Stratotankers that provide critical support for American and allied operations across the continent and beyond.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell told Sky News that the government keeps the security of military bases under constant review and takes firm and quick action when required.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the threat was being addressed by moving people away from the danger.

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The moves highlight ongoing tensions following US operations against Iranian targets, with Tehran having previously warned that bases used by American forces could be considered legitimate targets for retaliation.