US military flights seen over Europe after Trump’s chilling 10-day ultimatum | World | News
“We may or may not have to take this a step further,” the president said Thursday. “Maybe we’ll make a deal. You’ll probably find out in the next 10 days.” Mr Trump is thought to have not yet made a final decision on whether to launch an attack, but the US has been steadily increasing its military presence in the region.
At least six US warplanes were seen flying over Europe towards the Middle East on Thursday.
These included a KC-135 air-to-air refueling tanker, two E-3 surveillance jets, two C-17 transport aircraft and two H C-130J personnel rescue aircraft.
Mr Trump has already sent a “major armada” to the region, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
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The world’s largest warship, USS Gerald R Ford, will also set sail, increasing the US Navy’s presence in the region to 14 ships.
Approximately 50 US warplanes, as well as additional tankers and cargo planes, are thought to have arrived in the Middle East.
This buildup gives Mr. Trump a range of options to launch major action against Iran if he decides to give the order.
He has repeatedly threatened to use force to force Iran to curtail its nuclear program and previously over Tehran’s bloody crackdown on nationwide protests.
Last week, Mr. Trump said a change of power in Iran “would be the best thing that could happen.”
Iran has emphasized that its nuclear program is peaceful and has suggested that it is ready to strike all US bases in the region in response to Washington’s action.
According to reports, Britain has not yet allowed the US to use British bases due to concerns that an attack on Iran would be a violation of international law.
