Newsletters
The United States is planning to increase the number of military aircraft deployed in the Middle East amid escalating tensions and exchanges of fire with Iran, CNN reported Monday.
Washington is considering sending additional F-16 and F-35 fighter jets from bases in Europe, as well as more aerial refueling tankers, CNN reported, citing a U.S. official.
The report came as the United States continued to carry out airstrikes against Iran, with the attacks largely focused on southern Iran.
Tehran has retaliated with strikes targeting facilities and bases that it says are used by the U.S. military in several regional countries.
Early Monday, explosions were reported in several Iranian provinces, including the first reported strike on the northwestern city of Tabriz since the United States launched its latest attacks against Iran last week.
The exchange of fire between the two countries comes despite a Pakistan-brokered memorandum of understanding signed in June to end the war and reach a lasting peace agreement.
Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump was briefed in the Situation Room on potential strategies to escalate the conflict.
Among the options under consideration were an operation to seize Kharg Island, a major Iranian oil export terminal, and airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear facilities at Pickaxe Mountain.
At the same time, Trump has not dismissed the possibility of a diplomatic resolution.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said overnight that the opportunity to resume negotiations remained available, indicating that diplomacy was still being considered.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
