10 hours ago
Pentagon expands Middle East response as Israel, Iran trade strikes
The Pentagon is expanding its military presence in the Middle East and Europe in response to ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran, U.S. officials said Monday, with a fleet of American refueling planes and an additional aircraft carrier among the resources dispatched as the conflict worsens.
More than two dozen tanker planes were deployed from the United States to Europe on Sunday and Monday, a movement that U.S. officials linked to commanders' desire for options should American facilities near the warring countries face a direct threat. The move puts those aircraft closer to the Middle East to defend U.S. interests if needed, said one official familiar with the discussion who like some others spoke on the condition of anonymity because of issue's sensitivity.
