In recent days, there has been a notable surge in U.S. military aircraft activity heading towards the Middle East. Flight tracking data reveals that 52 military planes flew over the eastern Mediterranean between Monday and Thursday, with a significant number passing through Chania Airport on the Greek island of Crete. This increase marks an eight-fold rise in arrivals compared to earlier in June.
The uptick in military flights coincides with discussions in the U.S. about potentially supporting Israel in its ongoing conflict with Iran. Among the 52 aircraft, 32 were transport or cargo planes, 18 were mid-air refueling planes, and two were reconnaissance aircraft. This movement suggests a build-up of military capabilities in the region, according to Forbes McKenzie, founder of McKenzie Intelligence.
Notably, the data does not account for fighter jets, which often operate without revealing their positions. However, reports indicate that F-22 Raptors and F-35 fighter jets have been seen making their way to the Middle East. On one day alone, 63 U.S. military flights were recorded landing at three key air bases in the UK, more than double the rate earlier in the month.
On Thursday, several U.S. military planes were filmed landing at Glasgow’s Prestwick Airport, with one having arrived from Jordan after a stop in Germany. This increase in military presence comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed the need to address perceived threats from Iran, particularly regarding its nuclear program.
Israel claims Iran is attempting to develop a nuclear weapon, while Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. A U.S. intelligence assessment from March suggested that Iran is not currently building a nuclear weapon, a claim that has been disputed by some officials.
The U.S. military’s presence is also crucial for Israel’s operational capabilities. With many U.S. aircraft designed for air-to-air refueling, Israeli jets could extend their range and carry heavier munitions, including bunker-buster bombs necessary for targeting Iran’s underground facilities.
Despite the increased military activity, Israel has already conducted significant operations against Iranian missile bases, claiming to have struck at least five of the six known sites in western Iran. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that their strategy has forced Iran to rely more on bases further inland, complicating its ability to launch attacks.
Iran’s missile attacks have also escalated, resulting in casualties in Israel and a spike in air raid alerts. Recent strikes have targeted civilian areas, including a hospital in Beersheba, leading to injuries and damage.
As tensions rise in the region, both Israel and the U.S. are weighing their options. While Netanyahu asserts that Israel can achieve its military objectives independently, analysts suggest that U.S. support could significantly enhance Israel’s operational capacity.
The situation remains fluid, with military movements and diplomatic discussions ongoing, as both nations navigate the complexities of their security concerns in the Middle East.