According to reports, American aerial refueling aircraft are operating over the Strait of Hormuz, continuing a weeks-long pattern of enhanced US military presence in the region.
Reports indicate that US aerial refueling aircraft are moving over the Strait of Hormuz as of Thursday afternoon. The activity was reported by Israeli media, citing tracking sources.
The reports come amid a sustained US aerial deployment in the region that The Zioneer has been documenting since mid-June. On June 20, The Zioneer reported that US tanker and AWACS aircraft activity intensified over the strait. On June 26, at least five KC-135 tankers and a Navy P-8A Poseidon were tracked. On July 1, four tankers accompanied by fighter jets and surveillance aircraft were reported. The US has also deployed RC-135W Rivet Joint signals intelligence aircraft on patrols off southern Iran.
According to previous reporting, the US presence is aimed at protecting shipping routes on the Omani side of the waterway, avoiding waters controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The activity reflects ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran over maritime security in the strategic chokepoint.
3 developments
- StrongAt least ten US aerial tankers now active over the Persian Gulf
- DevelopingMultiple US aerial refueling tankers depart Middle East
- StrongYair Goldblatt reports widespread US tanker movement over Saudi Arabia, near Persian Gulf
- DevelopingIranian reports: US refueling aircraft patrolling over Shiraz province
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
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