Wave of US jets spotted nearing Middle East as theories swirl over next stage of Iran war
A parade of U.S. Air Force jets were spotted flying near the Middle East on Tuesday as President Donald Trump’s ceasefire with Iran remains in jeopardy.
Flight tracking websites show at least five C-17 Globemaster III aircraft departing from a key NATO facility in Germany and heading towards Saudi Arabia.
Trump declared a 14-day ceasefire with Iran on April 7, and the pause in hostilities is expected to end on Wednesday evening, April 22.
Trump on Tuesday signaled that US forces were ready to resume military operations if talks failed to reach an agreement.
Trump told reporters the military was “eager to go” and added that he expected the bombing to resume if a deal was not reached before the deadline, expressing confidence that the talks could still result in what he described as a “great deal.”
The mission fueled theories that the war was ‘escalating’ and increased speculation that the conflict could soon escalate further.
“Things are about to get really interesting for Iran,” said one person commenting on flight data showing jet waves on X. Another warned: ‘Getting the boots on the ground in Iran will be Trump’s biggest mistake!’
Reports indicate that the plane was carrying security equipment, communications equipment, logistics supplies and personnel believed to support upcoming diplomatic operations.
Flight tracking websites show at least five C-17 Globemaster III aircraft departing from a key NATO facility in Germany heading towards Saudi Arabia (stock)
The mission fueled theories that the war was ‘escalating’ and increased speculation that the conflict could soon escalate further.
The C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft designed for rapid delivery of troops, heavy cargo, or medical evacuations with a crew of three, often supported by the 726th Air Mobility Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
It was reported that the jets also landed at important regional centers, including Nur Khan Air Base, where flights were observed between April 19 and April 20.
ABSB Exchange and FlightRadar 24 show the jets gliding across the Mediterranean towards Saudi Arabia before heading back to Europe.
The flight data was shared on X, where users shared theories about the mission, with one saying: ‘Wow, things are heating up once again.’
The parade of jets came as Trump claimed he would continue bombing Tehran if it refused to come to the table, he told CNBC on Tuesday morning.
Earlier this month, the president threatened military action against Iran as part of his ultimatum over the Strait of Hormuz, but later backtracked and agreed to a two-week ceasefire instead.
Tehran has not made clear whether its representatives will attend a peace summit in Islamabad, Pakistan, before the ceasefire ends at 20:00 on Wednesday.
Senior White House officials plan to hold meetings with Vice President J.D. Vance today to determine a path forward, CNN reported.
Trump had previously said Vance was expected to leave Washington for Pakistan on Tuesday morning.
These plans were canceled at the last minute as uncertainty grew over whether Iran would participate.
This is a developing story… More updates to come
