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U.S. Tanker Aircraft Head to Middle East as Threat of Iran War Rises
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U.S. Air Force aerial refueling aircraft are heading for the Middle East amid an escalating war between Israel and Iran and the possibility that U.S. forces could also become involved, according to flight data tracking sources.
Newsweek has reached out to the Pentagon for comment.
Why It Matters
The U.S. is redeploying military forces as the conflict between Israel and Iran stretched over the week, raising tensions between Washington and Tehran. The American repositioning could be a sign of an increased possibility that it gets involved in an attack on Iran although Washington has so far said that it is not joining Israel in striking Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump had previously not ruled out military action if Iran did not agree to curbs on its nuclear program. Iran has also blamed the United States for Israel's attacks though has not repeated earlier threats of attacking U.S. bases in the region.
The USAF Thunderbirds mid-air refueling during the Atlantic City, NJ Air Show on August 24, 2022 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The USAF Thunderbirds mid-air refueling during the Atlantic City, NJ Air Show on August 24, 2022 in Atlantic City, New To Know
KC-135R Stratotankers and KC-46A Pegasus tankers, commonly used during transatlantic deployments and support for combat aircraft appeared to be heading to the Middle East through Europe, data from Flightradar 24 showed.
More than two dozen U.S. Air Force KC-135R and KC-46A tankers took off from bases across the U.S. and headed east over the Atlantic, The War Zone reported earlier. The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier USS Nimitz has also appeared to be heading toward the Middle East from Asia.
"Over the weekend, I directed the deployment of additional capabilities to the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on X on Monday.
— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) June 16, 2025
Messaging from Trump has been fluctuating, with earlier remarks expressing hope for a "real end" to the conflict—and before that describing a nuclear deal with Tehran as achievable—to telling reporters aboard Air Force One he was not in "too much in the mood to negotiate" with Iran.
Following Israeli strikes on Iranian territory last week, Iran retaliated with missile attacks targeting Israeli cities, resulting in civilian casualties on both sides. Tehran has held Washington responsible for Israel's offensive, after previously warning of a regional response that could include U.S. targets.
Britain is deploying additional RAF Typhoon jets and refueling aircraft to the Middle East for "contingency support," Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced, according to the BBC.
What People Are Saying
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News: "Right now, we've got assets in the region and we're going to defend them. We're strong, we're prepared, we're defensive ... President Trump hopes there can be peace."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday: "This is what Israel is doing with the support, the clear support of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and the American people and many others in the world. So, with God's help and with the goodwill and resolution of all free societies, we shall win."
Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell wrote on X: "American Forces are maintaining their defensive posture & that has not changed. We will protect American troops & our interests."
What Happens Next
Trump, who made an early exit from the G7 summit on Monday against the backdrop of Israel-Iran escalation, is expected to convene with the National Security Council. This could give a clearer picture of whether the United States becomes involved in attacks on Iran. Any Iranian attack on U.S. forces could well also bring the United States into the war.
