US Refueling Tankers Head Back to Middle East as Israel Weighs Iran Response
US aerial refueling aircraft evacuated to European bases after the June 2026 memorandum of understanding with Iran are being returned to Middle Eastern bases and Israel, following the overnight exchange of American and Iranian strikes around the Strait of Hormuz. Israeli officials assessed the redeployment as a signal that Washington would give a green light for renewed Israeli strikes on Iran if Tehran attacks Israel. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir conducted situation assessments with senior intelligence, air force and operations chiefs at the Kirya headquarters in Tel Aviv, maintaining direct contact with U.S. Central Command and the Pentagon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz held a security consultation on the Iran situation, and Israeli officials said any Iranian attack on Israel would trigger a powerful response.