The United States has bolstered its military presence in the Middle East by dispatching additional fighter jets and aerial refueling planes as military tensions with Iran continue to escalate.
According to CNN, citing an American official, Washington has deployed F-16 and F-35 fighter jets from its bases in Europe to the region, along with reinforcing its fleet of aerial refueling aircraft, aiming to support military operations and heighten readiness.
An Israeli source told the network that dozens of American refueling aircraft have recently arrived in Israel, with more on the way. This number reportedly increased again after a previous decrease following regional military operations last March.
The network noted that these reinforcements provide U.S. President Donald Trump with broader options to manage field developments as the American administration considers various scenarios for expanding military operations against Iran.
CNN reported that Trump received a security briefing last week in the White House Situation Room, which covered military options including the potential takeover of Kharg Island, a key hub for Iranian oil exports, or strikes on nuclear facilities within Iran, such as those located in Pickaxe Mountain.
Conversely, the network confirmed that the U.S. administration has not ruled out diplomatic solutions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that there remains an opportunity to resume negotiations with Iran and return to dialogue, despite ongoing military escalation between the parties.
These movements come amid heightened regional tension, as the U.S. and Iran continue to exchange strikes, raising concerns of the crisis spiraling into a broader regional conflict.