The United States has reportedly sent 10 military cargo aircraft to Israeli air bases in the southern Negev as Washington and Tel Aviv prepare for the possibility of renewed military action against Iran.
The reported buildup includes the transfer of a Patriot missile defence system from Texas, the repositioning of US personnel and the replenishment of weapons stocks. However, President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on whether to launch another attack.
Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported on Thursday that 10 US military cargo aircraft had arrived at Ovda and Nevatim air bases after departing from Fort Bliss in Texas.
Additional American aircraft were reportedly sent to bases in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar as part of a wider regional deployment.
US Cargo Flights Reportedly Increase at Israeli Bases
The Times of Israel reported that more than 10 American military transport aircraft had landed at Israeli air bases over the preceding week, citing analysts monitoring publicly available flight-tracking data.
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Most of the flights reportedly originated from Biggs Army Airfield at Fort Bliss and headed to Ovda and Nevatim. Other US cargo flights were also reported to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait.
Open-source tracking data recorded at least three C-17 transport flights from Biggs Army Airfield to Ovda in recent days. However, flight-tracking information does not establish what the aircraft were carrying.
Fort Bliss hosts the US Army’s 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, which oversees Army air-defence units. The base also houses facilities associated with interceptor missiles and air-defence batteries.
Neither Washington nor the Israeli military had publicly confirmed the reported aircraft deployments or disclosed their cargo.
Patriot Missile Defence System Reportedly Moving From Texas
The Wall Street Journal reported that the US military was transferring a Patriot air and missile defence system from Texas to Israel to reinforce its defences ahead of a possible renewed confrontation with Iran.
The system includes radar equipment, an engagement control station, missile launchers and interceptor missiles. Reports have differed over its precise destination, with some describing the transfer as part of a wider effort to strengthen air defences across the Middle East.
US Central Command did not directly discuss the reported movement, citing operational security. A command official said the military regularly rotates and repositions forces and assets to support assigned missions.
The reported Patriot transfer is separate from the arrival of the 10 cargo aircraft. There is no public confirmation that those aircraft transported the missile defence system.
Gulf States Reportedly Warned of Possible Military Campaign
Earlier this week, The Wall Street Journal reported that Washington had warned several Gulf Arab countries to prepare for a possible short but intense military campaign against Iran following the November 3 US midterm elections.
The warnings were reportedly conveyed through diplomatic and military channels.
KAN also reported that US troops stationed at regional bases had been instructed to leave as a precaution against possible Iranian retaliation.
American forces have reportedly been moving personnel away from bases considered vulnerable to Iranian attacks while replenishing ammunition and weapons stocks. Bomber aircraft and fighter jets are also being prepared for possible operations.
An additional aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine Expeditionary Unit are expected to arrive in the Middle East in November. They would join approximately 20 US warships already operating in the region, although some vessels may rotate out.
Earlier reports also said Washington had sent additional Patriot systems to Saudi Arabia and Qatar to protect oil and gas facilities.
Trump Weighs Possible Strikes on Iranian Infrastructure
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump was considering strikes against Iranian infrastructure and nuclear facilities but had not made a final decision.
A negotiated agreement remains possible, although diplomatic efforts have yet to produce a breakthrough.
Iran reportedly rejected a Qatari draft proposal on Sunday. An Iranian official told Reuters that the proposals were unacceptable and Tehran would not show flexibility on the nuclear issue.
The White House declined to comment on what it described as sensitive military plans that may or may not exist. It said Trump was keeping all options on the table to ensure Iran could never obtain a nuclear weapon.
Trump has also publicly left open the possibility of renewed military action while indicating that an agreement could still be reached.
Separately, The Wall Street Journal reported that US Central Command chief General Brad Cooper briefed Trump on military options for potential strikes against Iran. The meeting reportedly included senior US defence and military officials.
Washington and Tel Aviv Coordinate Military Preparations
An Israeli official told KAN that Washington and Tel Aviv were closely coordinating their military preparations.
“Israel and the United States are coordinating closely, and although no decision has yet been made on the matter, the Americans and Israel are preparing for any decision President Donald Trump makes,” the official said.
The official did not provide details about the options under consideration or the timing of a possible decision.
Democratic US Senator Chris Murphy said he and several other senators had also received a briefing on possible plans to attack Iran.
Murphy described the proposals as “insane”, warning that another operation could trigger a devastating escalation and undermine the US commitment to the rule of law.
Iran Warns of Retaliation Against Regional Targets
Iran has warned that it would expand its retaliation if the United States and Israel resume attacks, potentially targeting energy infrastructure, airports and other civilian facilities across the Persian Gulf.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that military escalation in the Persian Gulf could have a devastating impact on international markets, particularly for gas suppliers and consumers.
Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei has also warned of possible strikes against US-linked infrastructure, including data centres. Other reports said Tehran had threatened airports, pipelines and civilian targets in neighbouring Gulf states.
Two diplomatic sources also reportedly said Iran had instructed Hezbollah to increase its readiness in anticipation of a possible renewed conflict.
Patriot and THAAD Systems Form Part of Regional Defences
Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) systems have played a role in intercepting Iranian missiles and drones during the conflict.
THAAD is designed to intercept ballistic missiles at higher altitudes, while Patriot systems address shorter-range threats closer to the ground.
At least one THAAD battery has been deployed in Israel since October 2024, although the number of Patriot systems already operating there has not been publicly established. Israel also operates its own Iron Dome air-defence system.
CNN previously reported that Israel had delayed further strikes against Iran partly because it needed US missile-defence support, with defensive munitions strained by the conflict.
Previous Attacks and Ceasefire
The United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran on February 28, prompting Tehran to retaliate against Israel and US targets across the region. A ceasefire agreement was reached in April.
Washington and Tehran subsequently signed a memorandum of understanding in June concerning freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. However, implementation stalled amid disagreements over security arrangements for the strategic waterway.
The latest reported military movements have renewed concerns about another escalation as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.
For now, the timing and scope of any potential US military campaign remain uncertain. Neither Washington nor Israel has publicly confirmed a decision to launch fresh strikes against Iran.
