The United States is moving additional military assets into the Middle East in preparation for a major escalation in its conflict with Iran, increasing the exposure of allied countries such as the UK to further attack.
Iran has made fresh threats towards the UK, designating British intelligence agencies and military services as terrorist in nature, which has raised fears of further escalation. Tehran has also made clear it does not distinguish between the UK helping defend allies against Iranian attack and taking part in waging war on Iran.
Assets deployed amid rising tensions
Huge C-17 transport planes, along with C-5M Galaxy aircraft for large-scale military equipment transport, have been moved up to Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Qatar via Israel. The planes were flown in from their bases in Germany and Texas, even in the final hours before mid-term ballots were cast across the US.
More than ten C-17 transport planes have been sent. It is believed they are packed with Patriot and THAAD defence missiles to help protect American bases.
Iran threats and European targets
Iran is suspected of locating possible targets for attack across Europe, including locations in the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and other European countries. According to the latest intelligence assessments, Europe is increasingly becoming a target for retaliation from Iran-sponsored terror proxies and radicalised groups or individuals.
One intelligence assessment out this week says: "The expansion of public targeting to European infrastructure represents a sophisticated blend of coercive diplomacy and operational signaling. While a conventional military engagement by Iran against European territory remains highly improbable, the risk of asymmetric activity ranging from state-directed cyber operations to localised disruption by radicalised domestic sympathisers warrants consideration."
UK response and arrests
This week the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced Tehran had designated Britain's Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and MI6 as "terrorist and hostile" entities. Britain has been at pains not to openly support US attacks on Iran, but it has helped shoot down incoming drones to protect bases in the Middle East and elsewhere.
A number of men were arrested by counter-terror police last month outside RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, where the US had stored B1 bombers and other warplanes. That investigation is ongoing.
