The US has deployed a significant number of refueling aircraft to Europe to give President Trump more options in the Middle East related to the Iran-Israel war, another sign that the US may directly enter the war and launch strikes on Iran, Reuters has reported.
On Sunday, 31 KC-135s, KC-46s, and other tanker aircraft were spotted departing the US and heading east, fueling speculation online that the US may be preparing for military action against Iran. The aircraft could also support Israel’s attack by refueling Israeli planes that are bombing Iran.
On top of the massive refueling deployment, the US also redirected the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz to the region, which will join the USS Carl Vinson, making it the second aircraft carrier strike group in the region. The US recently had two aircraft carriers in the Middle East when it was engaged in a heavy bombing campaign in Yemen, which President Trump ended on May 6.
The US has also maintained a buildup of B-52 bombers and other aircraft at its base in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. According to Fox News reporter Jennifer Griffin, the US used B-2 bombers that were previously deployed to Diego Garcia in attacks on Yemen. Last month, the US replaced the B-2 bombers with B-52s.
Israel has requested that the US support its war by launching airstrikes on Iran, and sources have indicated to Antiwar.com Editorial Director Scott Horton that the US is poised to begin attacks soon. President Trump himself has said it’s “possible” the US will directly join the war, but has also been claiming he wants a deal despite Israel’s assault disrupting his earlier diplomatic efforts.
