U.S. Boosts Middle East Military Presence Amid Ongoing Israel-Iran Conflict

Latest Developments

• U.S. Deploys Air and Naval Assets to Middle East: The U.S. military has reportedly surged large numbers of military assets to the Middle East and dozens of aerial refueler aircraft to Europe, where they could be deployed to support operations in the Middle East. According to open-source aircraft tracking data, around 30 U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft — mainly KC-135s and KC-46s — took off from the United States on the evening of June 15, flying eastward, later landing in several locations in Europe. Some of these aircraft were reported to be heading toward the Middle East on June 17. Separately, the U.S. Navy’s USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is reportedly sailing from East Asia to the Middle East, where it is expected to arrive later this week, joining the USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, which is already in the region.
• Trump Seeks ‘Real End’ to Conflict Between Israel and Iran: On June 17, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he was seeking Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” adding that the United States knows “exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding.”  The president’s comments came after he said on June 16 that he was working toward a “real end” to the fighting between Israel and Iran. “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple,” Trump asserted. The president also said in a social media post the same day that “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign,” adding the warning, “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
• Hegseth Confirms Assets Deployed: U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed that U.S. military assets were ordered to the Middle East. “Over the weekend, I directed the deployment of additional capabilities to the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility. Protecting U.S. forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region,” Hegseth said in a statement.

FDD Expert Response

“The Pentagon should ensure that additional air and missile defenses are among the assets sent to the region. Leaving American troops without sufficient protection is not an acceptable option, especially given that an American base in Iraq has already been targeted by drones. Given the track record of Iran and its proxies, we should expect additional attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East.” — Ryan Brobst, Deputy Director of FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power

“The deployments of these additional U.S. forces are likely intended to serve three primary objectives. First, to send a strong deterrent message to Iran that its predicament will only worsen if its forces or proxies attack American troops. Second, to increase the capability and capacity of U.S. forces to defend themselves and assist in the defense of Israel. Finally, a second carrier strike group and significant aerial refueling capabilities will provide the White House with a greater range of military options to defend American interests and security in the region should they be needed.” — Cameron McMillan, Research Analyst at FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘We Need a Face-Saving Solution’: Iran Reportedly Seeks to End Conflict and Resume Talks,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘We Are Not Pausing for a Moment’: Israel Strikes Iranian Ballistic Missile Infrastructure,” FDD Flash Brief

“Iran Appeals to Qatar, Oman to Revive Nuclear Talks,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel’s Air Defenses Stand Firm Under Iranian Fire,” FDD Flash Brief