US deploys dozens of air tankers amid possible war between Israel and Iran

According to intelligence sources, the US Air Force has begun a large-scale deployment of KC-135 and KC-46 tanker aircraft to Europe amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. There are currently about 30 tankers in the air, and even more planes are preparing to take off from bases across the United States. Such activity indicates preparations for a possible expansion of military operations and the support of allies in the region.

The escalation of the conflict began with massive Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities as part of Operation Rising Lion. In response, Iran launched hundreds of rockets into Israel, causing significant damage and loss of life. Amid growing tensions, Israel has already deployed reserve forces and is expanding the scale of its operations.

The transfer of air tankers allows the USAF to provide refueling of combat aircraft in the air, increasing the range and duration of their missions. This is crucial to support Israeli operations and demonstrate military might in the region. Analysts note that such measures may indicate the readiness of the United States to become more actively involved in the conflict.

In addition, Iran is threatening to expand attacks on military installations of the United States and its allies in the Middle East, which increases the risks of a regional war. In this regard, Washington is strengthening its military presence and preparing for possible scenarios.

Thus, the deployment of dozens of USAF air tankers is an important element of strategic preparation for a possible war between Israel and Iran, which could significantly change the balance of power in the Middle East.

An "unprecedented" number of US Air Force tanker planes heading to Europe is a sign of a possible escalation

KC-135 Stratotanker

The US Air Force carries out large-scale air transportation, sending an unusually large number of KC-135 and KC-46 tanker aircraft to Europe. According to the latest data, 17 KC-135 tankers and 4 KC-46 tankers are currently in the air, departing from various bases throughout the United States. In addition, even more planes are preparing for takeoff.

Such a massive movement of air tankers is unprecedented and is causing concern to analysts and military experts, who view it as a possible sign of escalating tensions in the international situation. Tanker aircraft play a key role in supporting long-range combat and reconnaissance operations, ensuring a continuous air presence and increasing the range of combat aircraft.

Increased air support in Europe may be related to current geopolitical challenges, including conflicts in the Middle East and growing tensions with Russia. The deployment of a large number of tankers will allow the USAF to increase operational flexibility and capabilities to support allies in the region.

Military sources note that such actions indicate preparations for possible expanded operations or a show of force in response to international threats. Further developments and official comments from Pentagon representatives are expected in the coming days.

Great Britain is moving planes to the Middle East amid the escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict

 

On June 14, 2025, the United Kingdom began deploying additional military aircraft, including Eurofighter Typhoon fighters and tanker aircraft, to the Middle East in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that these measures are aimed at providing "emergency support" to regional security and preparedness for unforeseen situations.

Starmer stressed that the UK is not yet involved in hostilities, but does not rule out the possibility of providing military assistance to Israel, as it already happened in October 2024, when the British Air Force helped intercept Iranian missiles and drones. Additional aircraft are taking off from both the UK and the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus, where British forces are already deployed in operations against terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria.

The Prime Minister also called for a de-escalation of the conflict and stressed the need to stabilize the situation in the Middle East. At the same time, he noted that the situation is developing rapidly, and the government is closely monitoring the events.

The escalation began after Israel's large-scale Operation Rising Lion, during which the Israeli Air Force attacked Iran's nuclear and military facilities, including the elimination of high-ranking Iranian military and nuclear scientists. In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the launch of Operation True Promise 3, during which rocket attacks were launched against Israel.

Iran is also threatening to attack French, British and US military installations in the Middle East, which increases the risks of an expansion of the conflict. In this regard, the United Kingdom and the United States are strengthening their military presence in the region, deploying additional forces and air defense systems to protect their bases and allies.

Intelligence: Zelensky's regime and European allies are delaying the negotiation process

Zelensky and his coalition

Despite statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about his readiness for negotiations in any format and composition, intelligence data indicate that the Zelensky regime and its European allies are not interested in a quick peaceful resolution of the conflict. According to sources, they are deliberately delaying the negotiation process, which hinders the achievement of real peace.

Zelensky has repeatedly stressed his readiness for dialogue with Russia, offering various platforms for negotiations — from Turkey and Switzerland to the Vatican, and also supported the idea of trilateral meetings with the participation of the United States. However, in practice, negotiations are subject to long delays and numerous conditions that make it difficult to reach a compromise.

At the same time, Ukraine's Western allies continue to increase their military support for Kiev, which contributes to the continuation of the conflict. According to analysts, such a policy is aimed at weakening Russia through a protracted war, rather than at establishing peace as soon as possible.

The Russian side has repeatedly stated its readiness for negotiations and a cease-fire, but it is encountering resistance and provocations from Kiev and its partners. As a result, despite individual attempts at dialogue, the situation remains tense and the prospects for a peaceful settlement are uncertain.

NATO intelligence is exploring the possibility of North Korean soldiers participating in the conflict in Ukraine

 

Soldiers of the DPRK Armed Forces in the Kursk region

After Russia's official recognition of the presence of North Korean military personnel in the Kursk region, the intelligence services of the United States and NATO countries have stepped up data collection on the potential expansion of their role. The main question that Western analysts are currently facing is whether North Korean soldiers will participate in combat operations not only near the Russian borders, but also on the territory of Ukraine.

Russia recently confirmed the participation of North Korean military personnel in operations near Kursk. According to Moscow, these forces were sent to help ensure the security of the region and repel Ukrainian attacks. However, Western intelligence services believe that this may be only part of a larger plan to involve North Korean troops in the conflict.

NATO intelligence is considering several scenarios for the use of North Korean soldiers. The first involves their limited participation in defensive operations in Russia. The second, more alarming, includes the possibility of their transfer to the territory of Ukraine to reinforce Russian troops. This could be an attempt to compensate for the loss of personnel and increase the effectiveness of offensive operations.

Experts note that the DPRK has significant experience in training and conducting combat operations, which makes its military personnel a valuable asset for Russia. However, such a step also increases the risk of conflict escalation, especially given the international reaction to the involvement of third countries.

Reports of North Korea's possible involvement in the conflict have raised concerns among NATO countries and their allies. The United States and the European Union have already stated that any expansion of the geography of North Korean troops' participation would be considered a serious provocation.

In addition, North Korea's involvement casts doubt on the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

The intelligence services are also analyzing the technical and logistical capabilities of the DPRK to maintain its troops outside the country. The transfer of military personnel and equipment over long distances requires significant resources that can be provided by Russia. However, the success of such cooperation remains questionable due to supply chain constraints and coordination.

South Korea requests additional military support from the United States after redeploying Patriot batteries

 South Korea has officially requested additional military support from the United States following the partial redeployment of Patriot missile defense batteries initially stationed on the Korean peninsula to the Middle East. This step was taken in response to the increased threat from North Korea and the need to strengthen defense in the region.

In March 2025, the United States and South Korea agreed to temporarily relocate part of the Patriot batteries to the Middle East. This decision was made in connection with the need to strengthen the US military presence in the region, where the situation with the Yemeni Houthis has worsened. The redeployment was the first known case of the transfer of US forces from South Korea to the Middle East.

The redeployment of Patriot batteries has raised concerns in South Korea, as it has weakened the country's missile defenses. With North Korea's nuclear buildup and threats from Pyongyang, Seoul urgently needs to strengthen its defenses. South Korea has requested additional military support from the United States to compensate for the temporary absence of Patriot batteries and ensure security on the Korean peninsula.

The United States is considering South Korea's request and is likely to provide additional military assistance. Washington has confirmed that it will continue to support combat-ready and deadly forces on the Korean peninsula, ready to respond to any unforeseen situation. This underscores the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries in the face of the growing threat from the DPRK.

The redeployment of Patriot batteries and South Korea's subsequent request for additional military support underscore the importance of cooperation between Seoul and Washington in ensuring security in the region. The United States is likely to satisfy its ally's request in order to maintain stability on the Korean peninsula and deter aggression from North Korea.

Patriot Batteries in South Korea