Two US officials, who asked not to be named, told the media on Monday that as tension in the Middle East erupted into a conflict between Iran and Israel, the US military has transferred a large number of tankers to Europe to provide options for President Trump. The two officials also said that the US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is on its way to the Middle East, and one of them said this was a pre-planned deployment. The Nimitz aircraft carrier can carry 5,000 people and more than 60 aircraft, including fighter jets. Taken together, these deployments show that at a time when an unprecedented open conflict between Iran and Israel is breaking out, the US is vigorously strengthening its air force to deal with possible continued military action. US Secretary of Defense Hegseth posted on social media platform X late Monday that he had ordered the deployment of additional defense capabilities to the Middle East, but did not provide specific details. Protecting the US military is our top priority, and these deployments are aimed at strengthening our defense posture in the region. “Hegseth's post said. More than 31 US Air Force tankers left the US and flew eastward on Sunday, according to the flight tracking website AirNav System.

Two US officials, who asked not to be named, told the media on Monday that as tension in the Middle East erupted into a conflict between Iran and Israel, the US military has transferred a large number of tankers to Europe to provide options for President Trump. The two officials also said that the US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is on its way to the Middle East, and one of them said this was a pre-planned deployment. The Nimitz aircraft carrier can carry 5,000 people and more than 60 aircraft, including fighter jets. Taken together, these deployments show that at a time when an unprecedented open conflict between Iran and Israel is breaking out, the US is vigorously strengthening its air force to deal with possible continued military action. US Secretary of Defense Hegseth posted on social media platform X late Monday that he had ordered the deployment of additional defense capabilities to the Middle East, but did not provide specific details. Protecting the US military is our top priority, and these deployments are aimed at strengthening our defense posture in the region. “Hegseth's post said. More than 31 US Air Force tankers left the US and flew eastward on Sunday, according to the flight tracking website AirNav System.