Khaberni - Flight tracking systems showed an intense deployment of American KC-135 Stratotanker air refueling aircraft, from the Atlantic Ocean heading towards the Middle East region, in a plan that coincides with a secret military summit chaired by Donald Trump at Quantico base, alongside escalating tensions with Iran, which has sparked speculations of imminent action.
From Prestwick to Al Udeid
According to global media sources, data from open-source flight tracking systems, reported by OSINT intelligence accounts, revealed unusual and escalating movement of military Stratotanker aircraft, which were deployed in large numbers across the Atlantic Ocean. The air fleet, comprising 12 refueling aircraft, initially headed to Mildenhall Air Base in the UK, but was diverted to Prestwick Base due to bad weather, before heading towards Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
According to military sources, the widespread deployment across the Atlantic, particularly towards Al Udeid base, the forward headquarters of the U.S. Central Command, suggests more than just simple logistical maneuvers. The air refueling aircraft are essential enablers for long-range strike packages, especially those that involve stealth platforms such as the F-22 Raptor or B-2 Spirit.
Secret meeting
This deployment carries dangerous implications, as the last time the United States transferred fuel tankers in similar numbers was five days before American aircraft struck Iranian nuclear facilities.
The relocation of Stratotanker aircraft occurred concurrently with a secret meeting that Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held with the country's top military leaders at Quantico, Virginia, on Tuesday.
This unprecedented meeting, which was reported by The Washington Post last week, caused severe anxiety. It summoned hundreds of generals and admirals, including those in active conflict zones, from around the world - without details on what would be discussed at the summit.
These actions coincide with escalating tensions related to Iran's nuclear program, which has sparked speculations about impending military operations by the United States or NATO.
Operation "Night Hammer"
The Daily Mail quoted Behnam Ben Taleblu, the Iran Program Director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, saying, "Although correlation does not imply causation," he can't help but recall the last time the United States deployed massive fuel tankers just before launching "Night Hammer" operation against Iran in June last year.
He added, "Shortly after that, a wave of unrest exploded in the Middle East. More importantly, during the 'Midnight Hammer' operation, the Trump administration conducted a deceptive operation to conceal the flight of B-2 bombers to Iran," he confirmed that he is the only American president in two decades who has used excessive military force against Iranian nuclear facilities.
Furthermore, a former diplomatic advisor in the U.S. State Department suggested that the actions might be an American response to Russian aerial reconnaissance and drone activities in the Baltic Sea, especially against Denmark, just days after it was forced to close its largest airports.
