US Airs Military Cargo to Israel Amid Iran Tensions

The United States has transported ten military cargo planes to Israel, landing at two air bases in the southern part of the country. This move is part of a broader U.S. air bridge that included other regional nations, amid military preparations for a potential attack on Iran. The flights are seen as bolstering air defense systems and replenishing weapons stockpiles in the region.

According to Israel's Public Broadcasting Corporation (Kan 11), the U.S. aircraft landed at Ovda and Nevatim bases on Thursday. They originated from Fort Bliss military base in Texas, a major U.S. Army air defense hub. The flight path and origin suggest a resupply of military assets to Israel, possibly including additional Patriot missile batteries, though this was not confirmed.

The U.S. air bridge also saw transport planes land in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, as U.S. forces prepare for potential new military confrontations with Iran. An Israeli official stated that Israel and the U.S. are coordinating closely and preparing for any decision by President Donald Trump, although no decision has been made yet.

These developments follow reports that Washington had warned Gulf nations about a possible "short and targeted war in Iran." The U.S. military reportedly moved Patriot missile systems from Texas to bolster air defenses in the Gulf and instructed troops in regional bases to evacuate due to escalation fears. U.S. forces in the region are also replenishing weapon stocks, with an aircraft carrier and an additional Marine unit expected to arrive next month.

Separately, The Wall Street Journal reported that the commander of U.S. Central Command presented military options concerning Iran to President Trump at the White House. Details of these options or any decision made by Trump were not disclosed.

In Tehran, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf asserted that Iran has repeatedly communicated its conditions to mediators and that progress is impossible without meeting its seven demands. He stated that a "stick and carrot" policy would not work with Iran, coinciding with the increased U.S. military activity and talk of a potential attack.

These events occur amidst Israeli and U.S. reports of preparations for a joint military operation against Iran after the Knesset elections, contingent on a decision from Trump. CNN reported earlier that the U.S. military is prepared to launch a large-scale attack within 96 hours of receiving orders, with plans targeting military, nuclear, and energy facilities in Iran. Israeli reports also indicated prior disagreements between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir regarding military actions that could provoke an Iranian response and affect the elections, with Washington preferring to delay any major operation until after the vote.