Washington, D.C. — The United States has significantly expanded its military posture amid escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, repositioning a large fleet of aerial refueling aircraft to Europe to provide operational flexibility to President Donald Trump, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Monday.
The officials, speaking anonymously, also confirmed that the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier is en route to the Middle East. While they emphasized that this is a pre-planned deployment, its timing aligns with rapidly intensifying hostilities. The Nimitz carries over 5,000 personnel and more than 60 aircraft, including advanced fighter jets.
These deployments, first reported by Reuters, mark a major augmentation of U.S. air power in the region, signaling readiness for sustained military operations should the situation continue to deteriorate. Israel initiated strikes on Iranian targets last Friday, citing Tehran’s imminent nuclear threat. Since then, both nations have exchanged heavy firepower, resulting in civilian casualties and heightening fears of regional war.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth posted on X late Monday that he had ordered the deployment of additional defensive assets to the region, without elaborating on specifics.
“Protecting U.S. forces is our top priority, and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region,” Hegseth stated.
Flight-tracking website AirNav Systems reported that over 31 U.S. Air Force aerial refueling aircraft—primarily KC-135s and KC-46s—departed the U.S. on Sunday, heading eastward. These aircraft were later tracked landing in several European locations, including Ramstein Air Base in Germany, as well as airfields in the UK, Estonia, and Greece.
While the Pentagon declined to confirm exact numbers, security expert Eric Schouten from Dyami Security Intelligence underscored the strategic weight of the move.
“The sudden eastward deployment of over two dozen U.S. Air Force tankers is not business as usual. It’s a clear signal of strategic readiness,” said Schouten. “Whether supporting Israel or preparing for long-range missions, this is about logistics and rapid escalation.”
Despite reinforcing its posture, U.S. officials remain cautious. While aiding Israel’s defense systems, President Trump recently vetoed an Israeli plan to target Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, two officials revealed. One emphasized that the U.S. would not support direct action against Iranian leadership unless American personnel were attacked.
A third U.S. official confirmed the military buildup is defensive, adding that Washington had notified regional partners it may shift to offensive operations if Iran targets U.S. facilities.
The U.S. already maintains a robust presence in the Middle East, with around 40,000 troops, advanced missile defense systems, fighter jets, and naval assets. In a related move, the Pentagon last month rotated B-2 stealth bombers out of the Indo-Pacific and replaced them with B-52s, known for their ability to carry powerful bunker-busting ordnance—potentially significant in the context of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
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