[92032] Increased US air activity in the Middle East against a backdrop of regional tension

Increased air activity by US Central Command

In the last 24 hours, a significant increase in US Air Force air activity has been recorded over the Middle East, particularly near the Persian Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz. According to Israel News | Uncensored, which is identified with clear pro-Israeli positions, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that US forces are conducting routine patrols, while presenting footage of an F-35 stealth fighter jet being refueled in mid-air by a KC-135 Stratotanker.

On the other hand, the channel GLOBAL ANALYST, which presents a more critical line toward the US administration's policy, reports a large-scale concentration of forces in the region. According to the channel's reports, at least four refueling aircraft were identified over the waters of the Gulf, with a later report increasing the number to seven KC-135R refueling aircraft operating in proximity to Iran's borders.

GLOBAL ANALYST further notes that the activity over the Strait of Hormuz also includes an E-3 Sentry early warning aircraft. According to the channel, the reinforcement of these aerial capabilities with refueling and surveillance patrols signals an escalation in regional tension, in contrast to the calming tone of Central Command statements that were also published on the Online News channel, where the activity was described as "routine patrols in the skies."