Massive US air bridge sparks speculation of direct involvement in Israel-Iran conflict
This operation involved a significant number of KC-135 and KC-46 aerial refueling tankers departing from their mainland US bases, fueling widespread speculation about Washington's potential direct involvement in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
According to the specialized military website Military Watch, the number of US military aircraft exceeded 30. Military sources suggest that aircraft from several other Western countries are already supporting Israeli Air Force refueling operations to facilitate strikes on Iran.
This strengthens the hypothesis that the new US deployment could aim to provide similar support, or to prepare for refueling American fighter jets and bombers should Washington decide on direct military participation.
Previously, the US Department of Defense announced it was supplying Israel with THAAD air defense systems and Aegis destroyers for intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles. Additionally, it confirmed providing intelligence support and satellite guidance for Israeli weaponry.
Neither Israel nor the United States has yet commented on the air bridge of US military aircraft or the extent of its involvement in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
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