Six KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft of the US Air Force are currently over the Persian Gulf, reportedly accompanying fighter jets, according to an Iranian source. Separately, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has arrived at US Central Command headquarters in Florida.
An Iranian source reported unusual activity by the US Air Force over the Persian Gulf on Wednesday evening, with six KC-135 and KC-46 tanker aircraft currently airborne over the region, apparently escorting fighter jets. The same report noted an American KC-46A Pegasus flying over the gulf, likely accompanied by combat aircraft.
Separately, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrived at CENTCOM headquarters in Florida, as reported by a separate monitored source. The movements come as the US military campaign "Operation Epic Fury" against Iran continues into its second day, with extensive American aerial activity reported over Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf region in recent hours. As The Zioneer reported 50 minutes ago, six US tanker aircraft were already airborne over the Persian Gulf and Israel at 19:07 UTC. The current report adds a fresh sighting and the defense secretary's arrival at the theater command post.
The Iranian source did not provide further details on the nature or objective of the flight. No official confirmation has been issued by the Pentagon or CENTCOM.
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