Milan, 20 July (LaPresse) – The United States is increasing the number of aircraft in the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. This is according to CNN, which quotes a US official as saying that Washington plans to send additional F-16 and F-35 fighter jets from bases in Europe, as well as further air-to-air refuelling tankers. Dozens of US tanker aircraft have arrived in Israel in recent days, with more still on the way, according to an Israeli source also quoted by CNN. During the operation in March, there were around 94 tanker aircraft. The number had fallen to 40 but has been rising since last week, the source added. The additional resources could broaden US President Donald Trump’s options as he assesses how to proceed in the escalating conflict. Last week, Trump received a briefing in the Situation Room on options for escalating the war. He considered whether to attempt to capture the island of Kharg, a key hub for Iranian exports, or to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities at Pickaxe Mountain. Trump, however, has not entirely ruled out seeking a diplomatic solution, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated a few hours ago that the door remains open for a return to the negotiating table.
Iran, CNN: ‘US sends more fighter jets to the Middle East’
Milan, 20 July (LaPresse) – The United States is increasing the number of aircraft in the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. This is according to CNN, which quotes a US official as saying that Washington plans to send additional F-16 and F-35 fighter jets from bases in Europe, as well as further air-to-air refuelling tankers. Dozens of US tanker aircraft have arrived in Israel in recent days, with more still on the way, according to an Israeli source also quoted by CNN. During the operation in March, there were around 94 tanker aircraft. The number had fallen to 40 but has been rising since last week, the source added. The additional resources could broaden US President Donald Trump’s options as he assesses how to proceed in the escalating conflict. Last week, Trump received a briefing in the Situation Room on options for escalating the war. He considered whether to attempt to capture the island of Kharg, a key hub for Iranian exports, or to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities at Pickaxe Mountain. Trump, however, has not entirely ruled out seeking a diplomatic solution, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated a few hours ago that the door remains open for a return to the negotiating table.
