US Deploys Dozens of Aerial Refueling Tankers to Israel for Iran Operations

The United States has decided to deploy dozens of additional aerial refueling tankers to Israel, US media outlet Axios reported on May 17 local time. The deployment expands military operations targeting Iran. President Donald Trump reviewed several new military plans on May 14 in the White House Situation Room and is considering broadening the scope of military action against Iran, according to US and Israeli officials.

US Maintains Approximately 60 Aerial Refueling Tankers in Israel

The US currently has approximately 30 military refueling tankers stationed near Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. A similar number operates at Ramon Airport in southern Israel. Israeli officials stated that the US military could increase aerial refueling tanker deployment to levels seen during the early stages of the Iran conflict within days.

Trump Reviews Military Options Including Infrastructure and Nuclear Facility Strikes

Military options under review include bombing infrastructure such as power plants, additional strikes on nuclear facilities to bury Iran's enriched uranium deeper, and bombing the suspected underground 'Pickaxe Mountain' base under construction. Trump has not made a final decision. US and Israeli officials said Trump could order an intensified attack within days.

Ben Gurion Airport Selected for Enhanced US Personnel Safety

The US selected Ben Gurion Airport because other regional air force bases are more exposed to Iranian attacks, making US personnel safety more vulnerable at those locations.

FAQ

How many aerial refueling tankers does the US currently have in Israel?

The US maintains approximately 30 military refueling tankers near Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv and a similar number at Ramon Airport in southern Israel, totaling around 60 tankers.

What military options against Iran did Trump review on May 14?

Military options reviewed include bombing infrastructure such as power plants, additional strikes on nuclear facilities to bury enriched uranium deeper, and bombing the suspected 'Pickaxe Mountain' underground base under construction.