US Air Reinforcements Head to the Middle East: 30 Refueling Aircraft Arrive in Occupied Territory - Sarmad

U.S. officials said the United States has begun sending additional warplanes to the Middle East, a move that could signal the Trump administration’s readiness to escalate strikes against Iran.

The New York Times quoted officials as saying the reinforcements include F-16 fighter jets from the U.S. Air Force deployed from Germany, F-35 stealth aircraft from Britain, and additional aerial refueling tankers en route to the region.

It added that the orders to deploy these air reinforcements were issued before an Iranian attack on Friday that killed two U.S. soldiers and left another missing in Jordan.

For the eighth consecutive night, the United States has intensified its attacks since the collapse of a temporary ceasefire agreement with Iran days ago, raising the prospect of a return to all-out war.

Israeli officials said Israel is expected to receive additional U.S. aerial refueling tankers following the escalation of U.S. and Iranian strikes, and ahead of a potential expansion of military operations.

According to official reports and sources, the additional aircraft were stationed at Israeli air bases and Ramon Airport in southern Israel, rather than the main airport, in order to enhance readiness to support operations.

It was clarified that these aircraft have joined the U.S. fleet, which currently includes approximately 30 refueling tankers already present in the region.

U.S. Central Command stated: “The strikes aim to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and to punish the Revolutionary Guard forces that attacked U.S. soldiers in Jordan last night.”

Later, Central Command said it had completed a wave of attacks that targeted Iranian coastal surveillance sites and air defense installations.