US Adds Fighter Jets to Task Force amid Heightened Iran War Tensions

JAKARTA - The United States has increased the number of fighter planes in the Middle East (Middle East) as tensions with Iran increase.

According to a US official quoted by CNN, Monday, July 20, the US plans to send additional F-16 and F-35 fighter jets from bases in Europe, as well as additional aerial refueling tankers.

Dozens of US tanker planes have arrived in Israel in recent days and are still arriving, an Israeli source said.

During the March operation, there were about 94 tanker planes. The number had dropped to 40, but has increased again since last week, the source said.

The addition of these resources could broaden President Donald Trump's options as he considers his next steps in the escalating conflict.

Last week, Trump received a briefing in the Situation Room on options for increasing the intensity of the war. He has considered whether to try to seize Kharg Island - Iran's main export center - or bomb Iran's nuclear facilities on Mount Pickaxe.

However, Trump has not completely ruled out finding a diplomatic solution, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the door to returning to the negotiating table is still open.