US Preparing Major Attack on Iran? 17 Refuelling Aircraft Moved to Europe in 72 Hours

The movement of US Air Force refuelling aircraft has raised speculation about a possible new military operation against Iran amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

According to analysts monitoring military activity through open sources, 17 US Air Force refuelling aircraft moved from the United States to Europe over the past 72 hours. Reports also said three more aircraft were moved from the US West Coast to the East Coast.

Defence monitoring group Defence Geek said the aircraft included KC-135 and KC-46 tankers, which can refuel fighter jets and bombers while they are flying.

The group said a similar increase in US tanker movements was observed before major US and Israeli airstrikes against Iran in February. However, the US Department of Defense has not confirmed the purpose of the latest movements or whether preparations for a new operation against Iran are underway.

Refuelling aircraft play an important role in modern air warfare. They allow fighter jets and bombers to travel longer distances and remain in the air for extended periods without returning to airbases for fuel. This capability is particularly important for long-distance operations against a large country such as Iran.

Military observers say the movement of a large number of tanker aircraft could indicate preparations for military operations. However, these aircraft are also used for routine deployments, training exercises, defensive patrols and other military requirements. Their movement alone does not prove that a new attack on Iran is planned.

Some open-source observers have also reported the presence of US refuelling and military cargo aircraft at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport. Defence reports published in September also mentioned the movement of US refuelling, cargo and surveillance aircraft from Europe towards the Middle East. However, the number of aircraft that recently arrived at Ben Gurion and the purpose of their deployment have not been independently confirmed.

Some open-source estimates suggest that around 100 US refuelling aircraft are operating under US Central Command in the region. However, the US military has not recently confirmed this figure. Additional tanker aircraft could increase the US Air Force’s ability to conduct long and continuous operations, but it would be premature to conclude that Washington has decided to launch another attack on Iran.

The reports come as tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen are also rising. An attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on October 10 reportedly killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300, including one American citizen among those killed. Another attack on the airport on October 11 killed a Pakistani citizen and injured 11 others.

Yemen’s Houthi movement, Ansar Allah, claimed responsibility for the attacks, while Saudi Arabia indicated that it could respond forcefully. US President Donald Trump has also suggested the possibility of American involvement in Saudi operations against the Houthis.

As a result, the movement of US aircraft may be linked not only to Iran but also to Yemen, the defence of Saudi Arabia and other American military requirements in the region. Iran has warned that any new US or Israeli attack on its territory could lead to a wider response. Iranian officials have identified US military facilities, energy infrastructure and important maritime routes as potential targets.

Meanwhile, naval activity in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman has also been affected by rising tensions between Iran and the United States. On October 11, the US military confirmed that it had targeted a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman, claiming that the ship was attempting to violate a naval blockade of Iranian ports. The incident has extended tensions beyond the airspace and into the maritime domain.

Trump recently said the United States would not launch a new attack on Iran before the November 3 midterm elections. However, increased US military activity, attacks in Saudi Arabia and the latest incident in the Gulf of Oman have raised questions about Washington’s next steps.

Defence experts say deploying refuelling aircraft is an important requirement before a major air operation. However, their movement alone does not confirm that an attack has been approved. So far, there has been no independent confirmation of a final decision, date or target for a possible new major US attack on Iran.