The United States is considering a major expansion of its military campaign against Iran, with reports indicating that additional aerial refuelling aircraft could soon be deployed to Israel. The move comes as President Donald Trump reviews fresh military options while tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate.
According to Axios, Trump was presented with several operational plans during a Situation Room meeting on Tuesday. While no final decision has been announced, US and Israeli officials reportedly believe an escalation could be ordered in the coming days.
More strikes under consideration
Among the options being discussed are attacks on Iranian power infrastructure and additional strikes targeting nuclear-linked facilities. The reported objective is to make Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile harder to access and increase pressure on Tehran over its nuclear programme.
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Another location under consideration is the underground Pickaxe Mountain site, which is believed to be under construction.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that Trump has been consulting Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine before deciding on the next course of action.
US plans larger aircraft deployment
The report said the US already has around 60 aerial refuelling aircraft positioned at Ben Gurion International Airport and Ramon Airport in Israel. Washington is now seeking to send several dozen more aircraft, restoring the fleet to levels seen at the beginning of the conflict.
These aircraft allow fighter jets and bombers to remain in the air for longer periods, making them critical for long-range military operations.
The request has reportedly been placed before the Israeli government, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expected to decide whether the additional aircraft will be accommodated.
Strait of Hormuz remains key focus
The developments come as US strikes around the Strait of Hormuz entered a seventh straight day. According to Axios, American forces targeted at least seven bridges near Bandar Abbas, a strategic port used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Iran has meanwhile intensified attacks on US-linked military installations in Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq and Kuwait. It also claimed to have struck an American base in Syria, although US officials have said troops had already withdrawn from that location.
Iran warns of ‘zero hour’
Amid the military build-up, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a fresh warning to US forces operating in the region.
“The Americans are drawing closer by the moment to the zero hour of an operation by Iran’s Armed Forces against CENTCOM naval units in the region’s waters,” the IRGC said in a statement carried by Iranian state television, adding, “Wait and see”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also warned Tehran against attacking Israel.
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“I can tell you only one thing, and I will say this to the leaders of Iran: Do not count on it being quiet if you attack us,” Netanyahu said.
“Do not count on a rerun. Because it will not be a rerun, and that was already powerful enough. This will be a different event, much more powerful.”
The proposed deployment has also sparked debate within Israel, with concerns that accommodating more US military aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport could disrupt civilian flight operations during the busy summer travel season.
FAQs:
Why is the US planning to send more aircraft to Israel?
The aircraft would support longer-range military operations if the conflict with Iran escalates.
What is Iran’s ‘zero hour’ warning?
The IRGC warned that US forces in the region were nearing the “zero hour” of an Iranian military operation.
