US weighs wider offensive against Iran, Trump seeks more refuelling jets in Israel

The United States is considering expanding its military campaign against Iran, with President Donald Trump reviewing potential options for a broader offensive, according to US and Israeli officials. As part of this assessment, Washington is planning to deploy additional aerial refuelling aircraft to Israel, increasing the number of such planes operating from bases there. This move would support sustained air operations in the region and aligns with ongoing efforts to disrupt Iranian activities. The proposed military actions could involve strikes on critical Iranian infrastructure, including power plants, nuclear facilities, and possibly the underground Pickaxe Mountain site, which is thought to be under development. These targets are believed to play a role in Iran’s military capabilities and nuclear program. During a recent Situation Room meeting, Trump was presented with multiple military strategies, though he has not yet made a final decision on whether to proceed with an escalation. Currently, the US operates approximately 30 aerial refuelling aircraft from Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv and a comparable number from Ramon Airport in southern Israel. Israeli officials have indicated that Washington aims to add several dozen more aircraft, potentially bringing the total back to levels observed at the start of the conflict. The Trump administration has officially requested Israel’s cooperation in accommodating these additional planes, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expected to make the final call on the request. US military operations against Iranian targets have continued for five consecutive days, with strikes occurring in and around the Strait of Hormuz and along Iran’s southern coast. On Thursday, US forces targeted at least seven bridges near Bandar Abbas, a crucial logistics hub for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). These bridges were reportedly used to transport ammunition, supplies, and reinforcements throughout the region. At the same time, Iran has escalated its attacks on US military installations in Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, and Kuwait. The IRGC also claimed responsibility for an assault on a US base in Syria, despite US troops having left the area months prior. The increased deployment of refuelling aircraft is intended to bolster the US military’s capacity for long-range air missions in the region. However, the plan has raised concerns within Israel. Ben Gurion Airport is already experiencing operational challenges due to the high volume of US military aircraft and frequent deployments. An increase in the number of refuelling planes could further strain airport resources and impact civilian air traffic during the peak summer travel period. As the situation continues to evolve, the outcome of Trump’s deliberations will likely shape the trajectory of US-Iran tensions in the region. With both sides engaging in heightened military activity, the coming days will be critical in determining whether the US moves toward a more aggressive stance or maintains its current course. The decisions made in the near term could have lasting implications for regional stability and international relations.