Iran has warned it could strike American military bases across Europe, raising concerns over five locations in Britain that host US forces. Three airbases in the UK have been identified as potential targets by Iranian state media.
Warning from Iranian General
Major General Mohsen Rezaei said Tehran could expand its retaliation beyond the Middle East if the United States launched further attacks, potentially putting American military installations in Britain at risk. Speaking to Lebanese broadcaster Al Mayadeen, he said: "If the Americans make a mistake and attack us, we will not limit ourselves to targeting nearby bases; we will also target their distant bases, particularly in European countries."
He added: "We may target some islands that they believe our missiles cannot reach."
Map Identifies UK Airbases
The warning follows the publication of a map by hardline Iranian newspaper Hamshahri, identifying military installations across Europe. According to LBC, the newspaper's November 3 front page featured red pinpoints across Europe alongside the warning: "We will see what happens."
Three British airbases were identified beneath the map in Persian: RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk and RAF Lakenheath, also in Suffolk. Britain also hosts other facilities used by American forces, including RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire and RAF Menwith Hill in North Yorkshire. However, these two installations were not among the British locations named in the Iranian newspaper.
Security Measures and Aircraft Movement
The developments come after American military aircraft were reportedly moved from RAF Mildenhall following threats from Iran. According to The Wall Street Journal, two US refuelling tankers were diverted to Germany on Monday, November 9, while several other aircraft were subsequently relocated.
Security measures at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath were reportedly raised to Force Protection Condition Charlie, the second-highest defensive threat level. A US Air Force spokesperson told LBC: "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."
Previous Incident at RAF Fairford
RAF Fairford was linked to a suspected Iran-related plot in September. LBC reported that two men, Mohmed Abdulkarim and Nouman Essghir, both 24, were charged under the National Security Act 2023 following allegations involving a suspected foreign intelligence operation. The allegations have not been proven in court.
A 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." Rezaei's latest warning did not specifically identify British bases, and there has been no confirmation that Iran has formally selected all five UK locations as targets.
