Iran could attack UK nuclear sites, intelligence report claims

New Delhi: Iran could attack Britain's nuclear facilities, according to a Royal Marines email. Following the discovery, Britain has begun increasing security at its nuclear facilities. A steel fence is being built around the facilities to prevent Iranian-backed attackers from reaching them. These preparations come at a time when Iran has announced plans to attack several facilities in Europe.

The Daily Mail , citing sources in the British Royal Marines, said that Iranian attackers could launch a guerrilla-style attack on British nuclear facilities. British intelligence agencies are on alert after receiving information about preparations for this.

Fear of drone attacks on nuclear bases

According to the report, Britain fears a drone attack on its nuclear facilities. Last year, Ukraine launched a drone attack on Russian facilities, which shocked Russia and the entire world. Recently, in view of the Iranian drone attack, Britain had removed US aircraft from Mildenhall.

Due to this fear, Britain's Defence Chief is investing around half a billion pounds to strengthen security at its bases across the country.

Question: Why is Britain afraid of Iran?

1. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard has threatened to attack American bases in Britain and Europe if the US and Israel attack Tehran. Britain is a member of NATO with the US and is home to several US bases.

2. Britain has easier access to Iran than the United States. Iran's leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, also has assets in Britain. Iran could easily launch an attack there.

3. Iran possesses small drones and missiles, which are easily used for attacks and are difficult to scan.

Earlier it was reported that The US Army has shifted its planes from a major airbase in Britain to another place. This step has been taken after receiving intelligence information regarding a possible threat from Iran. There are reports of American planes being sent to other places including Germany. The special thing is that this is the second American  military base in Britain in the last few weeks, where planes have been removed amid security concerns. This development has raised new concerns about the security of military establishments of America and Britain.

Why was security increased at American military bases?

In view of the possible threat from Iran, the security arrangements of two American military bases in Britain, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath, have also been tightened. According to American officials, the security level here has been increased to Force Protection Condition (FPCON) Charlie. This is the second-highest alert level of the US Department of Defence security system. It is implemented when intelligence information strengthens the possibility of some kind of terrorist action or attack.