Washington: At least 30 US military planes have been relocated from bases in the United States to Europe over the past three days, according to flight tracking data reviewed by BBC Verify. These aircraft are US military tanker planes, specifically used to refuel fighter jets and bombers. Notably, at least seven KC-135s made stops at US airbases in Spain, Scotland, and England.
According to BBC, the movement of these aircraft coincides with escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, following Israel's recent operation targeting Tehran's nuclear program. The flights are speculated to be part of a broader strategy of "strategic ambiguity," as suggested by Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett, former head of the Irish Defence Forces. This strategy may aim to press Iran into making concessions in ongoing nuclear talks.
The relocation of the jets occurs as reports surface of the US also moving the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier from the South China Sea toward the Middle East. Reuters noted that an event involving the Nimitz in Vietnam was canceled due to an "emergent operational requirement" cited by the US embassy in Hanoi. Ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic indicated the USS Nimitz was last in the Malacca Strait heading toward Singapore.
Further, the US has reportedly stationed F-16, F-22, and F-35 fighter jets in the Middle East, as confirmed by three US defense officials speaking to Reuters. The tanker planes moved to Europe can refuel these deployed fighter jets, enhancing operational capabilities in the region.
Amidst these developments, Vice-President JD Vance suggested that the US might intervene to support Israel's actions. On social media, he hinted that President Trump might consider further measures to counter Iran's nuclear ambitions. Iran's key nuclear sites, including Natanz and Fordo, have been focal points of this tension, with Natanz already targeted by Israel.
Military experts conveyed to BBC Verify that the US could potentially employ GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator munitions to target Iran's underground facilities. These "bunker busters" are only deployable by B-2 stealth bombers, which have previously been stationed at Diego Garcia, a strategic US base within striking distance of Iran.
However, satellite imagery no longer shows the presence of B-2 bombers at Diego Garcia, raising questions about their current deployment. Vice-Admiral Mellett and Air Marshall Greg Bagwell, a former RAF deputy operations chief, highlighted the significance of their absence, although Bagwell noted that B-2 bombers could still launch operations from the continental US if required.
The movements and strategic positioning of these military assets underscore the volatile situation, with military and nuclear objectives in the region potentially vulnerable to intervention.