In a significant show of military readiness, the United States has repositioned over two dozen refueling aircraft to Europe and is sending the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz toward the Middle East. This move comes amid rising tensions and open conflict between Iran and Israel, according to two U.S. officials who spoke with Reuters on condition of anonymity.
The officials explained that this strategic deployment gives President Donald Trump a broader range of military options as the conflict between Tehran and Tel Aviv continues to unfold. The Nimitz, capable of carrying over 60 aircraft and housing more than 5,000 personnel, was described as being part of a pre-planned operation but is now moving into the region at a critical time.
Flight tracking site AirNav Systems reported that at least 31 refueling aircraft—mostly KC-135s and KC-46s—left the U.S. on Sunday, heading toward Europe. These aircraft have reportedly landed at key military bases including Ramstein Air Base in Germany, as well as locations in the UK, Estonia, and Greece.
Security experts say the sudden surge of tanker aircraft is no ordinary move. “This is a clear message of strategic preparedness,” said Eric Schouten of Dyami Security Intelligence. “Whether to support Israel, or for long-range strike logistics, the U.S. is clearly preparing for potential escalation.”
Meanwhile, Iran and Israel have engaged in a series of retaliatory strikes, with both sides accusing the other of endangering civilians. Israel recently launched airstrikes claiming Iran was close to producing a nuclear weapon, which triggered a violent exchange of missile attacks that has resulted in civilian casualties and widespread alarm over a potential regional war.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the refueling deployments and referred inquiries to the White House, which has not yet issued a statement. However, President Trump has taken a firm stance in the crisis. According to U.S. officials, he recently vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, signaling that while the U.S. supports Israel, it is not prepared to endorse such extreme measures unless American lives are directly threatened.
One official emphasized that U.S. operations remain defensive for now, but added that offensive action would be taken if Iran were to target American assets. Another source said the U.S. has briefed allies in the region about its posture, framing the deployments as precautionary.
The United States already maintains a strong military presence in the Middle East, with around 40,000 troops in the area, supported by advanced air defense systems, fighter jets, and naval vessels. These forces are already playing a role in helping intercept missiles aimed at Israeli territory.
Last month, the Pentagon rotated in B-52 bombers—capable of carrying bunker-busting bombs—at a base in the Indo-Pacific, a location seen as key to operations in the Middle East. These aircraft are believed to be capable of striking Iran’s underground nuclear facilities, should the situation spiral further out of control.
