Kathmandu — The United States has significantly increased military operations between Europe and the Middle East amid escalating Iran-Israel tensions. Flight-tracking data shows that at least 30 U.S. aerial refueling tanker aircraft have been moved from European bases. These tankers — primarily KC-135 Stratotankers — support fighter jets and bombers with midair refueling. Though not officially linked to the Iran-Israel conflict, defense analysts say the flight patterns are highly unusual.
According to global flight-tracking service Flightradar24, seven KC-135 jets have been observed at U.S. military bases in Spain, Scotland, and England. This activity comes shortly after an Israeli airstrike near Tehran last Friday, which Israel claimed targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. While direct U.S. involvement remains unconfirmed, military observers noted the timing and scale suggest a calculated move.
U.S. Tanker Deployments Hint at Regional Combat Preparedness
Justin Bronk, senior analyst at the Royal United Services Institute in the U.K., said these deployments indicate the U.S. could be preparing for extended military operations in the region. “These tanker movements indicate contingency planning for deep combat support in the coming weeks,” he said.
The BBC tracked seven such aircraft, which were flying east of Sicily by Tuesday afternoon. Six had undisclosed destinations, while one landed on the Greek island of Crete. Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, former Chief of Ireland’s Defence Forces, said these actions may be part of a broader “strategic ambiguity” doctrine — applying pressure on Iran to return to nuclear negotiations.
The Israeli airstrike took place just one day after a deadline previously set by former U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran to halt its nuclear program.
Aircraft Carrier Nimitz, Fighter Jets Add to Regional U.S. Presence
Meanwhile, the U.S. has also redirected the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier from the South China Sea to the Middle East. Reuters reported that a planned port visit to Vietnam was canceled due to “urgent operational needs,” according to the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. MarineTraffic showed the Nimitz in the Strait of Malacca en route to Singapore as of Tuesday. The carrier is armed with a full fleet of fighter jets and guided missile destroyers.
In addition, the U.S. has transferred F-16, F-22, and F-35 fighter jets to American bases in the Middle East, according to three defense officials cited by Reuters. The newly arrived tanker aircraft are expected to support extended missions by refueling these jets midair.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance indicated Tuesday that the administration might support Israel’s actions through military intervention. He wrote on social media that former President Trump could view additional action as necessary to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The full intention behind these military maneuvers remains unclear, but the timing and coordination suggest Washington is strategically positioning itself amid mounting regional tensions.
