The US appears to be preparing for an escalation of attacks against Iran, as they increase the number of fighter jets and refueling aircraft they send to the Middle East.
According to US officials, cited by the New York Times, the US is sending more fighter aircraft to the Middle East. Specifically, F-16 fighters from the US Air Force from Germany and F-35 stealth aircraft from Britain are being sent to the Middle East, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss operational matters.
At the same time, additional aerial refueling aircraft are also in the air and heading to the region. The US Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for all military operations in the Middle East, declined to comment on the information.
The order to dispatch the additional aircraft was given before Friday's Iranian attack, which resulted in the deaths of two US soldiers, the disappearance of another soldier, and the injury of many others in Jordan.
Sailors prepare U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighter jets for takeoff aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4) while transiting the Arabian Sea. Boxer is the flagship for the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group / 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Reuters: US refueling aircraft to Israel
According to a Reuters report, the US refueling aircraft will go to Israel. An Israeli official told the news agency that the US "decided to adjust its force posture in the region and strengthen the existing fleet of aerial refueling aircraft stationed in Israel with additional refueling aircraft."
Another Israeli official said that dozens of US refueling aircraft are expected to arrive in Israel. The same information about the dispatch of additional US refueling aircraft to Israel was also reported on Friday by the Axios website.
