Latest news with #KC-135Stratotankers
Euronews
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Euronews
Massive military jet shuffle signals possible groundwork for US action
Multiple US military refuelling tankers and US fighter jets were reported to be moving east above the Mediterranean Sea on Tuesday afternoon, amid concerns that Washington may join Israel in military strikes on Iranian missile and nuclear activities sites. 'Iran can not have a nuclear weapon,' Trump wrote Monday night before returning to Washington early from the G7 summit in Canada. 'Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran,' he added. Trump's ominous warning to residents of the Iranian capital marked a sudden shift from the previous US position of not getting directly involved militarily in the conflict and rather looking for a negotiated solution for 'peace'. Euronews' observations of real-time aviation monitoring portal Flightradar, corroborated by Euronews' military sources as well as open-source reports from military observers across social media, point to what appears to be an intense flying movement signalling a build-up of US military striking capabilities in the Mediterranean and possible preparations for military action. Some of the USAF refuelling tanker aircraft that flew Sunday to Europe-based US bases RAF Mildenhall in the UK and US airbase Morón de la Frontera in Spain, as announced by Secretary Hegseth, were seen flying east above the Mediterranean on Tuesday afternoon. Military observers photographed the one from RAF Mildenhall as it dragged US fighter jets from RAF Lakenheath. On Tuesday afternoon, Euronews observed USAF KC-135 Stratotankers originating from RAF Mildenhall and US airbase Morón de la Frontera flying east near Italy, towards unknown locations. The Boeing-made KC-135 Stratotanker is a refuelling tanker aircraft. Other such tankers are also present at US airbases in Ramstein in Germany, Aviano in Italy and Greece's Chania-Souda Bay in Crete, to bolster US fighter presence and capabilities in the Middle East. According to Euronews' military sources, the tankers that arrived on Sunday night at the US airbase Morón de la Frontera sortied out on Tuesday afternoon, and the movement of fighter jets from RAF Lakenheath, Spangdahlem and Aviano was also under way. According to the same sources corroborated with other available information, the aircraft deployed from Lakenheath included F-15E and F-35, while multiple F-16CJ/DJ took off from Spangdahlem and F-16C/D from Aviano, all in the direction of the Middle East. US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth announced on Monday in a post on social media platform X that the US was deploying 'additional capabilities' to 'enhance our defensive posture in the region.' But just hours later, Trump announced abruptly that he was leaving the G7 summit in Canada early, saying the reason for his departure was 'much bigger' and unrelated to any ceasefire efforts. He told reporters he was 'not too much in the mood to negotiate now" and that "we're looking at better than a ceasefire". Pressed to clarify what he meant, the president added: 'An end, a real end. Giving up entirely — that's okay too." Trump's sudden change of position coincided with Israeli Defence Minister Katz calling repeatedly for the immediate evacuation of Tehran residents, warning of imminent large-scale Israeli strikes, targeting what he described as nuclear and regime-linked infrastructure, specifically mentioning the underground Fordo nuclear facility as 'an issue that will certainly be addressed.' Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ABC News on Monday that he was not ruling out assassinating Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Netanyahu claimed that doing so was "not going to escalate the conflict, it's going to end the conflict", a statement echoed by Trump on Tuesday when he also used 'end' in his statement. Meanwhile on Tuesday, the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that potential military involvement by the US would "definitely drag" the entire Middle East into a wider, more dangerous conflict. 'When it comes to the United States getting involved, then it will definitely drag the region into broader conflict. And this is in nobody's interest," Kallas said after hosting a coordination video conference with the EU's 27 foreign affairs ministers. The Iranian capital Tehran, home to around 10 million people and one of the biggest cities in the Middle East, has seen a mass exodus as the conflict with Israel intensifies. Traffic jams stretched for kilometres on roads leading out of the city, with many heading toward the Caspian Sea region. The Iranian capital Tehran, home to around 10 million people and one of the biggest cities in the Middle East, has seen a mass exodus as the conflict with Israel intensifies. Early on Tuesday, the city's bustling downtown began to empty, with many shops closed and the historic Grand Bazaar shuttered, something that had not occurred since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. A partial evacuation order from the Israeli military was issued to 330,000 people living in the centre of Tehran early on Monday. However, many had already begun to flee following attacks at the weekend. Traffic jams stretched for kilometres on roads leading out of the city, with many heading toward the Caspian Sea region. Long lines also formed at gas stations as residents scrambled to get fuel, with limits on 25 litres of fuel per car now in place. Later on Monday, US President Donald Trump posted a message on his social media site Truth Social calling for the immediate evacuation of the Iranian capital. "Everybody should immediately evacuate Tehran," Trump posted, later explaining that he issued the statement because "I just want people to be safe." Despite this growing exodus, Iranian officials maintained that the situation was under control, offering no clear guidance for the public. Meanwhile, flights bringing evacuees from Israel have landed in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, making them among the first countries to repatriate citizens amid the escalating conflict. Slovak authorities confirmed the arrival of the first evacuation flight late Monday, carrying 73 passengers, including 25 Slovak tourists and five family members of Slovak diplomats based in Tel Aviv. Poland also announced plans to evacuate its citizens from Israel, with operations scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. India has also evacuated an undisclosed number of students from Tehran. The Indian Foreign Ministry said that some nationals have been assisted in leaving Iran through the border with Armenia. Those who can arrange their own transportation have been urged to go as soon as possible. Around 50,000 Israelis are believed to be stranded overseas, with some reports putting that number closer to 100,000. This follows the closure of Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport on Friday as Israel launched airstrikes against Iran's nuclear program, a situation that has left the airport closed "until further notice". Israeli authorities have urged citizens stranded abroad not to rush to Larnaca or Athens in hopes of returning home sooner, as Israel's airspace remains indefinitely closed to both arrivals and departures. The country's National Security Council also issued a warning against attempting to reach Israel by land through Jordan or Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, with both countries now under Level 4 travel warnings, advising immediate departure for those already there. Meanwhile, two explosions were heard across Tehran early on Tuesday afternoon, with black smoke rising from the northern part of the city near Iranian state television's headquarters and key government offices. Iranian authorities have yet to acknowledge the attack.
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Clearest sign yet Trump is preparing to blitz Iran as huge US air armada of DOZENS of military jets lands in UK & Europe
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE US Air Force has surged more than 40 extra jets into the UK and Europe – including stealth fighter bombers and air to air refuellers – amid fears it will strike Iran. The move is the clearest sign yet that US President Donald Trump is preparing to blitz the country after issuing a two-day deadline and vowing to bring a "real end" to Tehran's nuclear programme. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 12 Footage shows one of the four KC-135 Stratotankers landing at Glasgow Prestwick Airport on Monday Credit: YouTube/Daniel Sander 12 Dozens of US Air Force aircraft, mostly KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotankers, that left the US last night are starting to reach Europe Credit: FlightRadar24/X 12 Iran State Radio and Television (IRIB) building was smoking after a direct Israeli strike Credit: REXNEWS At least 30 large air-to-air refuellers swooped across the Atlantic this week followed by at least a dozen F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightning jets. The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier is also steaming towards the Gulf to reinforce the carrier USS Carl Vinson. The US President has already warned the "full strength and might" of the military would be used if America was attacked. Dozens of USAF KC-135 Stratotanker refuelers and KC-46 Pegagus tankers swooped into bases in Scotland, Germany, Spain and Crete. At least four KC-135 Stratotankers landed at Glasgow Prestwick Airport on Monday. Hours later the Pentagon scrambled at least a dozen F-22 and F-35 fighter bombers to reinforce troops in Europe and the Middle East. The KC-135s and KC-46s are designed to refuel fighter jets so they can stay airborne for longer and fly further to hit targets. Experts said the F-22s and F-35s would most likely be used to bolster Israel's air defence amid fears Tel Aviv cold run low in its Iron Dome and interceptor missiles. But there are fears the fighter bombers could also be used to strike targets inside Iran. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he had ordered 'the deployment of additional capabilities' to the Middle East amid spiralling fears of World War Three. Iran provoking Trump would be grave mistake - Israel is doing world a favour But he insisted their role was 'defensive'. He said: 'Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region.' Jets also landed in Italy and Estonia, as well as Scotland, Spain and Crete. American ships have also been used to defend against Iranian missiles aimed at Israel, alongside ground-based interceptors, US officials revealed to NBC News. It came as a US defence official said: 'Consistent with the duty to protect US forces in the Middle East, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth directed the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. Central Command are of responsibility to sustain our defensive posture and safeguard American personnel. 'In the U.S. European Command area of operations the U.S. Navy continues to conduct operations in the Eastern Mediterranean in support of US national security objectives.' A mere few hours ago it was revealed that the US is sending the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to the Middle East as the conflict continues to spiral. The hulking $4.5billion nuclear-powered supercarrier, nicknamed Old Salt, is the flagship of the deadly Carrier Strike Group 11. 12 Trump gestures after returning early from the G7 Leaders' Summit in Canada Credit: Reuters 12 A defence source said their most likely role would be to intercept missiles fired at Israel if Tel Aviv runs out of air defence missiles Credit: FlightRadar24/X 12 Dozens of USAF KC-135 Stratotanker refuelers as well as KC-46 Pegagus tankers swooped into bases in Scotland, Germany, Spain and Crete Credit: Youtube 12 The Pegasus jets and Stratotankers are designed to refuel fighter jets in mid-air Credit: Jordan Castelan The strike group includes Carrier Air Wing Seventeen and Destroyer Squadron Nine - a potent combination of military hardware that will strike fear into Iran. The Nimitz left the South China Sea Monday morning heading west towards the Middle East, where it will be stationed. The USS Nimitz will provide a major boost to US military presence in the region. And The Sun knows first hand of the true might of this awesome 100,000 ton warship. Trump has also given a two-day deadline for a "REAL end" to Iran's nuclear programme. He has also urged Tehran to evacuate "everyone". Israel's ambassador also hinted at something big on the horizon - promising lethal "surprises" on Thursday that would dwarf its operations to date. As Trump rushed back meet his National Security Council, he vowed he was chasing something "better than a ceasefire", which will force Iran into a "complete give up". He refused to specify the endgame, but ominously warned: "You're going to find out over the next two days." Trump's prophecy coincides with one from the Israeli ambassador Yechiel Leiter, who said: "We've pulled off a number of surprises. 12 The final destination is unknown Credit: FlightRadar24/X 12 The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is heading for the Middle East Credit: AFP 12 A missile streaking over Jerusalem as sirens rang out Credit: EPA "When the dust settles, you're going to see some surprises on Thursday night and Friday that will make the beeper operation almost seem simple." He was referring to Israel's incredible operation to detonate explosives planted in thousands of pagers owned by Hezbollah members in Lebanon. Trump dramatically left Monday's G7 summit in Canada a day early - and has repeatedly insisted it was not to pursue peace talks with Iran "in any way, shape or form". Israel and Iran continue to trade missiles for a fifth day, with Tehran's civilians fleeing the city in their thousands and a handful of casualties reported by Tel Aviv. The IDF said it has killed Iran's most senior military commander - and the person closest to the Supreme Leader - for the second time in five days. Iran claimed today it had hit the HQ of Israel's intelligence agency Mossad - though this has not been confirmed - and repeatedly warned of stepping up missile and drone attacks. Israel reported this morning that around 30 missiles were involved in Iran's latest wave. Tension across the Middle East is now skyrocketing as the conflict threatens to spiral into a wider regional war after Pakistan called for the Islamic world to back Iran. Islamabad even warned they will nuke Israel, a senior Iranian general claimed. Sun's trip onboard USS Nimitz By Ryan Parry, Senior Reporter AS America sends the flagship USS Nimitz supercarrier to the Middle East amid rising tensions, the Sun reveals what life is like onboard. The Sun spent two days on board the Nimitz, nicknamed Old Salt, a $4.5billion nuclear-powered supercarrier weighing almost 100,000 tons. The warship is 1,092ft long and 252ft wide and has a four and a half acre flight deck. The massive 117,000 sq ft warship boasts four aircraft catapults and jets are brought up to the deck using four giant elevators from the hangar deep below the 4.5 acre flight deck. The supercarrier, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11, holds F/A-18 Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers and F-35C stealth strike fighters. Inside the ten floor, 3,000 room hull underneath the flight deck life is one slick operation. There are several cafeterias, gyms, a Starbucks coffee shop and 'luxury' state rooms for 'Distinguished Visitors'. Since it is nuclear-powered, the Nimitz – call sign NMTZ - can operate for up to 20 years without refueling. The Nimitz is the world's second largest supercarrier, only behind the Gerald R Ford. 12 The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Ghadir site in Tehran has been obliterated by Israel in recent days Credit: AFP
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Clearest sign yet Trump is preparing to blitz Iran as huge US air armada of DOZENS of military jets lands in UK & Europe
THE US Air Force has surged more than 40 extra jets into the UK and Europe – including stealth fighter bombers and air to air refuellers – amid fears it will strike Iran. The move is the clearest sign yet that US President Donald Trump is preparing to blitz the country after Advertisement 12 Footage shows one of the four KC-135 Stratotankers landing at Glasgow Prestwick Airport on Monday Credit: YouTube/Daniel Sander 12 Dozens of US Air Force aircraft, mostly KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotankers, that left the US last night are starting to reach Europe Credit: FlightRadar24/X 12 Iran State Radio and Television (IRIB) building was smoking after a direct Israeli strike Credit: REXNEWS At least 30 large air-to-air refuellers swooped across the Atlantic this week followed by at least a dozen F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightning jets. The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier is also The US President has already warned the "full strength and might" of the military would be used if America was attacked. Dozens of USAF KC-135 Stratotanker refuelers and KC-46 Pegagus tankers swooped into bases in Scotland, Germany, Spain and Crete. Advertisement At least four KC-135 Stratotankers landed at Glasgow Prestwick Airport on Monday. Hours later the Pentagon scrambled at least a dozen F-22 and F-35 fighter bombers to reinforce troops in Europe and the Middle East. The KC-135s and KC-46s are designed to refuel fighter jets so they can stay airborne for longer and fly further to hit targets. Experts said the F-22s and F-35s would most likely be used to bolster Israel's air defence amid fears Tel Aviv cold run low in its Iron Dome and interceptor missiles. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Latest Latest But there are fears the fighter bombers could also be used to strike targets inside Iran . US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he had ordered 'the deployment of additional capabilities' to the Middle East amid spiralling fears of World War Three. Iran provoking Trump would be grave mistake - Israel is doing world a favour But he insisted their role was 'defensive'. He said: 'Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region.' Advertisement Jets also landed in Italy and Estonia, as well as Scotland, Spain and Crete. American ships have also been used to defend against Iranian missiles aimed at Israel, alongside ground-based interceptors, US officials revealed to It came as a US defence official said: 'Consistent with the duty to protect US forces in the Middle East, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth directed the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. Central Command are of responsibility to sustain our defensive posture and safeguard American personnel. 'In the U.S. European Command area of operations the U.S. Navy continues to conduct operations in the Eastern Mediterranean in support of US national security objectives.' Advertisement A mere few hours ago it was revealed that the The hulking $4.5billion nuclear-powered supercarrier, nicknamed Old Salt, is the flagship of the deadly Carrier Strike Group 11. 12 Trump gestures after returning early from the G7 Leaders' Summit in Canada Credit: Reuters 12 A defence source said their most likely role would be to intercept missiles fired at Israel if Tel Aviv runs out of air defence missiles Credit: FlightRadar24/X Advertisement 12 Dozens of USAF KC-135 Stratotanker refuelers as well as KC-46 Pegagus tankers swooped into bases in Scotland, Germany, Spain and Crete Credit: Youtube 12 The Pegasus jets and Stratotankers are designed to refuel fighter jets in mid-air Credit: Jordan Castelan The strike group includes Carrier Air Wing Seventeen and Destroyer Squadron Nine - a potent combination of military hardware that will strike fear into Iran. The Nimitz left the South China Sea Monday morning heading west towards the Middle East, where it will be stationed. Advertisement The USS Nimitz will provide a major boost to US military presence in the region. And The Sun knows first hand of the true might of this awesome 100,000 ton warship. Trump has also He has also urged Tehran to evacuate "everyone". Advertisement Israel 's ambassador also hinted at something big on the horizon - promising lethal "surprises" on Thursday that would dwarf its operations to date. As Trump rushed back meet his National Security Council, he vowed he was chasing something "better than a ceasefire", which will force Iran into a "complete give up". He refused to specify the endgame, but ominously warned: "You're going to find out over the next two days." Trump's prophecy coincides with one from the Israeli ambassador Yechiel Leiter, who said: "We've pulled off a number of surprises. Advertisement 12 The final destination is unknown Credit: FlightRadar24/X 12 The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is heading for the Middle East Credit: AFP 12 A missile streaking over Jerusalem as sirens rang out Credit: EPA "When the dust settles, you're going to see some surprises on Thursday night and Friday that will make the beeper operation almost seem simple." Advertisement He was referring to Israel's incredible operation to detonate explosives planted in thousands of pagers owned by Hezbollah members in Lebanon. Trump dramatically Israel and Iran continue to trade missiles for a fifth day, with Tehran's civilians fleeing the city in their thousands and a handful of casualties reported by Tel Aviv. The IDF said it has Advertisement Iran claimed today it had hit the HQ of Israel's intelligence agency Mossad - though this has not been confirmed - and repeatedly warned of stepping up missile and drone attacks. Israel reported this morning that around 30 missiles were involved in Iran's latest wave. Read more on the Irish Sun Tension across the Middle East is now skyrocketing as the conflict threatens to spiral into a wider regional war after Pakistan called for the Islamic world to back Iran. Islamabad even warned they will nuke Israel, a senior Iranian general claimed. Advertisement Sun's trip onboard USS Nimitz By AS America sends the flagship USS Nimitz supercarrier to the Middle East amid rising tensions, the Sun reveals what life is like onboard. The Sun spent two days on board the Nimitz, nicknamed Old Salt, a $4.5billion nuclear-powered supercarrier weighing almost 100,000 tons. The warship is 1,092ft long and 252ft wide and has a four and a half acre flight deck. The massive 117,000 sq ft warship boasts four aircraft catapults and jets are brought up to the deck using four giant elevators from the hangar deep below the 4.5 acre flight deck. The supercarrier, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11, holds F/A-18 Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers and F-35C stealth strike fighters. Inside the ten floor, 3,000 room hull underneath the flight deck life is one slick operation. There are several cafeterias, gyms, a Starbucks coffee shop and 'luxury' state rooms for 'Distinguished Visitors'. Since it is nuclear-powered, the Nimitz – call sign NMTZ - can operate for up to 20 years without refueling. The Nimitz is the world's second largest supercarrier, only behind the Gerald R Ford. 12 The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Ghadir site in Tehran has been obliterated by Israel in recent days Credit: AFP 12 The roads out of Tehran were jammed with cars as Trump ordered the city to evacuate Credit: Reuters
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Satellite Image Shows US Air Power Buildup at Island Base Near Iran
New satellite images showed U.S. forces increasing their air power at an Indian Ocean base that could be a staging point for any attack on Iran, according to an open source intelligence analyst. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) for comment. Ongoing activity at the Diego Garcia airbase, a strategic operating location for both the U.K. and British armies, comes amid tensions with Iran over its nuclear program. Although nuclear talks continue, President Donald Trump has threatened military action if diplomacy fails to produce a new agreement on curbs that could prevent it obtaining nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Iran has ramped up its military buildup, threatening U.S. targets in the region in the event of any attack. The U.S. Air Force has recently augmented its aerial refueling capabilities at Diego Garcia, deploying additional KC-135 Stratotankers to the strategic Indian Ocean base, according to satellite imagery shared by open-source intelligence analyst MT Anderson on X. A recent deployment of F-15 fighter jets adds to a growing U.S. military buildup at Diego Garcia, where four B-52 bombers and a contingent of six B-2 stealth bombers operate. In March, satellite imagery showed the deployment of C-17 cargo planes as well as KC-135 refueling tankers. The remote airbase, over 2,000 miles away from Iran, hosts Space Force operations and is a key port for U.S. Navy vessels, including nuclear submarines, and shelters a Sealift Command Prepositioning Ship Squadron. Tehran has yet to unveil a platform capable of reaching that range, but as a significant missile power, it continues to make strides in expanding long-range capabilities. The status of Diego Garcia has recently been in question and the subject of heated political debate with Britain signing an agreement last week to had sovereignty of the contested Chagos islands - of which it is a part - to Mauritius. Britain says that the agreement will ensure the future of the air and naval base and allow its contimued use by the United States. Commander Matthew Comer, Indo-Pacific Command spokesperson, told Newsweek earlier: "We have multi-layered defense systems on Diego Garcia that ensure the security and protection of our personnel and equipment." Beyond Iran, the continued U.S. buildup at Diego Garcia signals broader power projection with a potential view to threats in the Red Sea, activity by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen and China's growing naval reach in the Indian Ocean. Related Articles Russia Attacks Trump's Golden Dome ProjectIran Unveils Next-Level Warfare Drones Amid Tensions With Show New US Missiles Sent to China's DoorstepIran Threatens Strike on Israel as US Talks Hang in Balance 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Satellite Image Shows US Air Power Buildup at Island Base Near Iran
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New satellite images showed U.S. forces increasing their air power at an Indian Ocean base that could be a staging point for any attack on Iran, according to an open source intelligence analyst. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) for comment. Why It Matters Ongoing activity at the Diego Garcia airbase, a strategic operating location for both the U.K. and British armies, comes amid tensions with Iran over its nuclear program. Although nuclear talks continue, President Donald Trump has threatened military action if diplomacy fails to produce a new agreement on curbs that could prevent it obtaining nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Iran has ramped up its military buildup, threatening U.S. targets in the region in the event of any attack. Imagery captured on May 24, 2025, by U.S. Landsat satellites shows U.S. military aircraft positioned at an air base on the island of Diego Garcia, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory. Imagery captured on May 24, 2025, by U.S. Landsat satellites shows U.S. military aircraft positioned at an air base on the island of Diego Garcia, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory. Landsat/Sentinel Hub What To Know The U.S. Air Force has recently augmented its aerial refueling capabilities at Diego Garcia, deploying additional KC-135 Stratotankers to the strategic Indian Ocean base, according to satellite imagery shared by open-source intelligence analyst MT Anderson on X. 🇺🇸NSF Diego Garcia🇺🇸 4x B-52s still operating out of Diego Garcia While resolution is too low for a positive ID, likely spot of 2-3x F-15s 7x Additional aircraft, likely to include KC-135, C-5M and potentially C-17 Src📷: @USGSLandsat 24 May 2025 — MT Anderson (@MT_Anderson) May 27, 2025 A recent deployment of F-15 fighter jets adds to a growing U.S. military buildup at Diego Garcia, where four B-52 bombers and a contingent of six B-2 stealth bombers operate. In March, satellite imagery showed the deployment of C-17 cargo planes as well as KC-135 refueling tankers. The remote airbase, over 2,000 miles away from Iran, hosts Space Force operations and is a key port for U.S. Navy vessels, including nuclear submarines, and shelters a Sealift Command Prepositioning Ship Squadron. Tehran has yet to unveil a platform capable of reaching that range, but as a significant missile power, it continues to make strides in expanding long-range capabilities. The status of Diego Garcia has recently been in question and the subject of heated political debate with Britain signing an agreement last week to had sovereignty of the contested Chagos islands — of which it is a part — to Mauritius. Britain says that the agreement will ensure the future of the air and naval base and allow its contimued use by the United States. What People Are Saying Commander Matthew Comer, Indo-Pacific Command spokesperson, told Newsweek earlier: "We have multi-layered defense systems on Diego Garcia that ensure the security and protection of our personnel and equipment." What Happens Next Beyond Iran, the continued U.S. buildup at Diego Garcia signals broader power projection with a potential view to threats in the Red Sea, activity by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen and China's growing naval reach in the Indian Ocean.
