U.S. Expands Military Presence in Middle East as Iran Tensions Rise

Amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, and concerns that the conflict could spread across the region, Washington is continuing to expand its military presence in the Middle East. In addition to dozens of refueling aircraft already sent to Israel, the U.S. has begun deploying more fighter jets to regional bases as part of a broader effort to strengthen its offensive and defensive capabilities.

A squadron of F-16 fighter jets arrived in Jordan over the past 24 hours, while additional aircraft are expected to be deployed to other bases across the Middle East in the coming days. A U.S. official told Kan News that the reinforcements include F-35 and F-16 squadrons and are expected to be fully deployed within several days.

At the same time, the U.S. administration informed Israel of its decision to adjust its regional deployment and send additional refueling aircraft to the country. The move follows reports that President Donald Trump ordered an increase in the number of refueling planes in the region to support possible military operations against Iran.

Alongside the military preparations, efforts are also being made to maintain normal operations at Ben Gurion Airport. As part of security coordination between Israel and the United States, and following pressure from Transportation Minister Miri Regev, officials are working to reduce the number of refueling aircraft arriving at Ben Gurion in order to prevent congestion and limit disruptions to civilian flights.

According to sources familiar with the matter, most of the American refueling aircraft are being directed to Israeli Air Force bases and Ramon Airport. This is intended to keep parking spaces available at Ben Gurion for civilian aircraft and reduce the risk of flight disruptions and cancellations during the busy summer travel season.

About 15 additional American aircraft are expected to leave Ben Gurion Airport during the coming week, leaving approximately 20 at the airport under the current plan. The move is being carried out in line with a cabinet decision intended to allow Ben Gurion Airport to continue operating as normally as possible during the heightened security situation.