&w=3840&q=100)
‘Doomsday plane' seen in Washington: What does this indicate amid Israel-Iran conflict?
Called the 'Doomsday plane', the E-4B Nightwatch caught attention after making an unexpected flight from Louisiana to Maryland in the US on Tuesday. Built to withstand nuclear blasts, cyberattacks, and electromagnetic interference, the aircraft is equipped to coordinate counterattacks if required. While the fleet of four E-4Bs routinely takes to the skies for preparedness, some believe this specific flight may be linked to heightened security concerns amid growing fears of a prolonged war in West Asia read more
Each E-4B can carry up to 112 personnel and has a flight range of over 7,000 miles. Reuters/File Photo
As US President Donald Trump weighs the option of launching a strike on Iran amid its ongoing tensions with Israel, one of America's 'Doomsday planes' was seen flying to Joint Base Andrews in Washington, DC, on Tuesday night.
The flight has led to renewed questions about whether Washington is getting ready for a possible full-scale conflict.
Read Israel Iran conflict live updates
Notably, Trump has repeatedly raised the idea of the US joining Israel in targeting Iran's nuclear facilities. In response, Iran's supreme leader has issued a fresh warning, saying the US would face strong retaliation if it carries out any attack.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The situation puts Trump and the world in a difficult position, as he tries to balance his aim of keeping the US out of another war while also stopping Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
ALSO READ | Operation Sindhu: How India rescued its first batch of nationals from Iran
But what exactly is the 'Doomsday plane'? How dangerous is its deployment? And does this mean the US is preparing for war?
Let's get you all the answers:
Boeing E-4B Nightwatch: All about the 'doomsday plane'
Also known as the 'Doomsday plane', the E-4B Nightwatch caught attention after it made a sudden flight from Louisiana to Maryland on Tuesday.
This aircraft acts as an airborne command centre for the President, Defence Secretary, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, helping them maintain secure communications and coordination during crises.
It took off from Bossier City at 5:56 pm ET, flew along the coastline, circled near the Virginia-North Carolina border, and landed at Joint Base Andrews at 10:01 pm.
The aircraft is designed to fly for up to a week without landing and is capable of refuelling mid-air. Reuters/File Photo
The flight lasted just over four hours and led to speculation online, particularly because it used the callsign ORDER01, different from its usual code ORDER6.
Each E-4B can carry up to 112 personnel and has a flight range of over 7,000 miles.
Its value to the US Air Force lies in its unique features, which are unmatched by any other American military aircraft.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Built to resist nuclear explosions, cyber threats, and electromagnetic interference, the plane is equipped to launch counterattacks if needed.
Dear Americans, did you know that...? The US President's "doomsday plane" E-4B has landed near Washington, as reported by Defence Index.
The last time such actions took place was on September 11, 2001, after the terrorist attack on the "twin towers".This plane can withstand a pic.twitter.com/YQlMXyMtsI — HeyTam (@HeyTam) June 18, 2025
According to the New York Post, it has shielding to withstand thermal and nuclear impacts and can maintain communication with any part of the world using 67 satellite receivers and antennas inside its dome.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The aircraft is designed to fly for up to a week without landing and is capable of refuelling mid-air.
The longest known continuous flight by an E-4B is 35.4 hours.
Its interior includes 18 beds, a room for briefings, areas for coordination and discussions, a command space, and rest zones, spread across three levels, turning it into a 'Flying Pentagon' during emergencies.
The E-4B has been used during major incidents. Former US President George Bush flew in a similar aircraft after the 9/11 attacks, and in 1995, Fema (Federal Emergency Management Agency) officials travelled on one during Hurricane Opal.
The plane's appearance is often seen as a signal of a serious event involving the US.
Although the fleet of four E-4Bs regularly takes to the skies to stay prepared, some believe this particular mission may relate to growing security concerns for the President amid rising fears of a prolonged war in West Asia.
ALSO READ | Iran's exiled prince claims Supreme Leader Khamenei 'hiding like a rat'. Who is Reza Pahlavi?
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Is US preparing for a war in West Asia?
The aircraft's recent flight took place around the same time as Donald Trump called for Iran's 'unconditional surrender' and promised complete backing for Israel's military moves.
In response, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , dismissed the US demands and issued a warning that American military action would bring 'irreparable damage to them.'
'Americans should know that any military involvement by the US will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage to them,' he said.
Khamenei made the statement a day after Donald Trump posted on social media, asking Iran to surrender without any conditions. He also warned Khamenei that the US was aware of his location, adding that there were no plans to kill him, 'at least not for now.'
Although Trump earlier kept some distance from Israel's surprise strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, he has recently suggested the US may play a bigger role, saying he is aiming for more than just a ceasefire. Notably, more American fighter jets and warships have also been deployed to the region.
A US official told Associated Press that Washington currently has no role in the talks, though that might change.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Israel vs Iran: What's happening?
On Thursday, Israel's armed forces said they launched another round of airstrikes on Tehran and other locations in Iran, but gave no further details.
The offensive has targeted several Iranian nuclear and defence sites, killing high-ranking generals and nuclear scientists. A US-based Iranian rights organisation reported that at least 639 people, including 263 civilians, have died in Iran, with over 1,300 injured.
In return, Iran has launched about 400 missiles and many drones, killing at least 24 people in Israel and injuring hundreds. Some of the strikes hit residential buildings in central Israel, causing massive destruction.
Iran has launched about 400 missiles and many drones. Reuters
Internet access across Iran, already unstable for several days, completely failed on Wednesday. NetBlocks, a group that monitors online connectivity, confirmed a 'near-total national internet blackout.'
Iran's Communications Ministry said the blackout was intentional, claiming it was needed to stop Israel from using the country's networks for military purposes.
With inputs from agencies
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
37 minutes ago
- India Today
As Trump hosts Pak's Asim Munir, Internet dishes out memes with a Bollywood twist
The internet exploded with Bollywood-style memes and jokes after US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan's military chief, General Asim Munir, for lunch at the White House on rare meeting came after Munir's call for Trump to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. According to White House spokesperson Anna Kelly, Munir credited Trump with defusing what could have escalated into a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan during their brief military standoff in social media users had a field day, flooding X with hilarious memes using popular Hindi film clips and scenes to poke fun at the unlikely camaraderie between Trump and Munir. Take a look at the memes and jokes here:Asim Munir in White Moana (@ladynationalist) June 18, 2025advertisementDonald Trump with Asim Munir in White House Jo Kar (@i_am_gustakh) June 18, 2025Donald Trump and Asim Munir's exclusive video from the White House Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) June 18, 2025Asim Munir in @ maithun (@Being_Humor) June 18, 2025Asim Munir in White House Gagan (@1no_aalsi_) June 18, 2025Asim Munir is having lunch at the White House rozgar_CA (@Memeswalaladka) June 18, 2025When Asim Munir asked for a loan,Trump: Sachya (@sachya2002) June 18, 2025Donald Trump after meeting Asim Munir : (@gentleman07_) June 18, 2025First visuals from Trump and Asim Munir's lunch emerge Meme Farmer (@craziestlazy) June 18, 2025The White House confirmed that the meeting was held in recognition of Munir's remarks applauding Trump's role in halting a potential escalation between India and four-day conflict between India and Pakistan in early May was sparked by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people - most of them tourists - were in response, launched retaliatory strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of Operation Sindoor. Pakistan countered with unprovoked attacks targeting civilian areas and military infrastructure, all of which were thwarted by India's air defence systems.
India Today
39 minutes ago
- India Today
Saw missiles, thought we would die: Evacuated Indian students recall Iran horror
"We saw missiles in the sky and heard bombs in our neighbourhood... We were petrified", said MBBS student Mir Khalif, his voice still trembling with fear, as he stepped out of the Delhi airport after being evacuated from war-hit Iran under Operation arrived in the national capital early Thursday in the first evacuation flight carrying 110 Indian students as part of the special operation launched by the Indian government in response to the escalating Iran-Israel students, including 90 from Jammu and Kashmir, were moved from Tehran to Armenia earlier this week as explosions and aerial attacks rocked Iranian cities. The rescue was coordinated by the Indian Embassy. Khalif described the experience in Iran as a nightmare and thanked the Indian government for evacuating them first to Armenia and then bringing them back home."We saw missiles and heard bombings. It was a war zone. Our building shook during the attacks. I hope no student has to face what we did," he said."There are students still stuck in Iran. They are being relocated to safer places. We hope they will also be airlifted to India soon," he a student from Kashmir, recalled the fear she lived through."We were the first ones to be evacuated from Iran. The situation was quite critical. We were terrified. We thank the Indian government and the Indian Embassy, which worked very fast and swiftly to bring us neighbourhood was attacked. When the Indian government came to our doorstep, it felt like home," she told PTI Akbar, a student from Delhi, said the destruction was visible everywhere."We saw a missile and a drone fall from the sky while travelling in a bus. Tehran is in ruins. The images on the news are real, the situation is very bad," he of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh reached the Delhi airport to receive the in a post on X, he said, "Warmly welcomed home the first group of 110 Indian nationals evacuated from Iran as part of Operation Sindhu, reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad."Singh also shared some photos of the arrival of Indian nationals at the confirmed that evacuation efforts under Operation Sindhu are ongoing, with more flights scheduled."We have planes ready. We will be sending another plane today. We are evacuating some more people from Turkmenistan. Our missions have opened 24-hour helplines for any request for evacuation. As the situation evolves, we will be sending more planes to evacuate Indian nationals," he Union minister thanked governments in Turkmenistan and Armenia for their on Wednesday had said that the first evacuation flight of Indian nationals being moved out of Iran was to arrive in India from the Armenian capital of Yerevan in the early hours of June at the Delhi airport, several parents waited anxiously to reunite with their Ali, father of MBBS student Maaz Haider, said, "We are happy and grateful, but our hearts are still heavy knowing that many students are still stuck in Tehran. We urge the government to bring them back too."Parvez Alam from Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh, whose son studied in Urmia, said, "We were under constant stress. The students were shifted to Armenia and looked after well. We thank the government for this."The Jammu and Kashmir Students' Association also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for the evacuation."We remain hopeful that all remaining students will be evacuated soon," the association said in a statement.
Indian Express
40 minutes ago
- Indian Express
US reopens foreign students visa process but there is a catch: 10 points
The visa process for the United States just got a lot more invasive. The US State Department on Thursday officially resumed processing student visa applications, but with a twist. Now, applicants must unlock their social media accounts for government review. 1. After a short and temporary suspension, the United States government has restarted student visa applications. However, the new policy needs applicants to make their social media accounts public during the review process refusal to follow could lead to rejection. 2. According to Associated Press reports, consular officers are now instructed to scan applicants' social media for any posts that might seem hostile toward the US government, institutions, culture, or founding principles. Even the political opinion could be misinterpreted. 3. The US State Department has warned that if an applicant declines to make their social media visible, it may be interpreted as an attempt to hide something, potentially jeopardizing their visa approval. 4. Applicants from different countries like India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines are among those most anxiously tracking visa slots, refreshing websites daily and watching State Department updates closely. 5. The US will now prioritise visa interviews for students applying to institutions where international students make up less than 15 per cent of the population. This can completely disadvantages students aiming for top private schools, especially the Ivy League schools, where foreign student ratios are much higher. 6. Harvard University, with around 25 per cent international enrollment, has faced explicit targeting. The Trump administration accused the school of permitting 'antisemitic' speech and proposed capping foreign admissions at 15 per cent. 7. Critics liken this policy to Cold War-era ideological vetting. According to Jameel Jaffer, executive director at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, the new screening could suppress free speech and create a 'censorship' culture among consular officers, AP reported. 8. Earlier this year, students even those with minor infractions like traffic violations faced sudden deportation orders. Though the decision was later reversed, the expansion of revocation criteria remains a looming threat. 9. The United States is now pressing 36 countries to ramp up their own screening systems or risk being added to the US travel ban list, which currently includes 12 nations. These demands come with a strict 60-day compliance deadline. 10. This policy shift is likely to reduce applications to US universities, especially elite institutions.
