[48764] Heavy movement of US Air Force aircraft in the Middle East and reports of political preparations

Unusual aerial movement in the Middle East

Over the last 24 hours, news channels have been reporting on intense aerial activity by the US military in the region. According to the GLOBAL ANALYST channel, which is known for its critical approach toward US administration policy, a "mass departure" of C-17A and C-5M transport aircraft was recorded, along with a P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft, from bases in the Middle East. The channel notes that this is a move similar to the one observed about two hours before the outbreak of the war on February 28.

Simultaneously, the Israel News Without Censorship channel reports on increased activity in the Strait of Hormuz region, including at least seven KC-135R refueling aircraft and fighter jets taking off from the USS Lincoln aircraft carrier and the Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. At the same time, the channel reports on spy flights by an RC-135W aircraft intended to gather intelligence on Iran.

Diplomacy and intelligence amid the tension

In the political arena, the News 8200 channel links the movement of aircraft in Beijing to diplomatic preparations ahead of the expected meeting between Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for May 14–15. According to the report, American aircraft were documented parked in close proximity to Iranian aircraft at the airport in Beijing.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force is also conducting routine operations in the region. According to Israel News Without Censorship, a "Nachshon Shavit" intelligence aircraft and a Boeing 707 refueling aircraft have been operating off the coast of Israel in the Middle East in recent hours.