The United States plans to deploy dozens of additional aerial refueling aircraft to Israel as preparations continue for the possibility of expanding military operations against Iran, according to Axios, citing U.S. and Israeli officials.
The report said the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has informed Israel of the planned deployment as part of contingency preparations amid escalating regional tensions.
According to Axios, Trump is considering launching a large-scale military campaign against Iran that would exceed the current strikes around the Strait of Hormuz in both size and scope. The options reportedly followed the presentation of new military plans during a meeting in the White House Situation Room last Tuesday.
The report said the options under consideration include strikes on Iranian infrastructure, such as power generation facilities, additional attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites aimed at burying enriched uranium stockpiles deeper underground, and a strike on the suspected nuclear facility at “Mount Axe,” which is believed to still be under construction.
Axios quoted sources as saying that Trump has not yet made a final decision, but appears prepared to escalate military operations in an effort to inflict sufficient pressure on Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept U.S. demands regarding its nuclear program.
The sources added that Trump could authorize expanded military operations within the coming days.
Refueling Fleet Expansion
According to the report, the United States currently has approximately 30 aerial refueling aircraft stationed at Ben Gurion Airport and a similar number at Ramon Airport in southern Israel.
Israeli officials told Axios that Washington intends to send dozens more refueling aircraft in the coming days, restoring the fleet to the level maintained during the early stages of the conflict with Iran.
The report added that the Trump administration has asked the Israeli government to make the necessary logistical arrangements to accommodate the additional aircraft, while noting that the final decision on the deployment will rest with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
