Presence of refueling aircraft hints at US involvement in Iran war, despite Washington’s denial

The US State Department has repeatedly denied involvement in what it terms the “unilateral” actions of Israel against Iran.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

The US military sent more than 31 refueling aircraft across the Atlantic eastward on Monday, the Reuters news agency reported.

The unprecedented movement has led to speculation that the US may become involved in the Iran-Israel conflict, despite official denials.

AirNav Systems reported that 31 refueling aircraft, mainly KC-135s and KC-46s, left the US.

Additionally, the aircraft carrier Nimitz is heading to the Middle East for a planned deployment.

The Nimitz has a capacity for 5,000 personnel and more than 60 aircraft, including fighter jets.

The movement of aircraft and the Nimitz may indicate that the US military is preparing options for engagement if needed and is not currently actively involved in active fighting or defense operations.

The US State Department has repeatedly denied involvement in what it terms the “unilateral” actions of Israel against Iran.

The State Department also emphasized that it intends to play only a defensive role and will fight only if US civilians or military bases are attacked.

However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of being complicit in Israel’s attack on its nuclear facilities and military installations.

“Israel’s attack would never have happened without the green light and support,” Araghchi said, adding that Iran does not believe the US when it insists it took no part in the attacks.

“It is necessary for the United States to condemn Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities if they want to prove their goodwill,” he said.

Shortly after the first strikes on Friday, Trump admitted that he knew ahead of time that Israel was planning an operation against Iran, although he had cautioned Netanyahu against taking such action amid nuclear talks.

“We knew everything, and I tried to save Iran from humiliation and death. I tried to save them very hard because I would have loved to have seen a deal worked out,” Trump told Reuters by phone.

“They can still work out a deal,” he added.