The United States has quietly moved about 40 military planes out of its airbase in Qatar. This action took place over the past two weeks. As tensions grow in the region, Washington acted to shield its forces from a possible Iranian response.

According to AFP, satellite images from Planet Labs PBC confirm this movement. These images show that the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US base in West Asia, had around 40 aircraft on June 5. But by June 19, only three aircraft remained.

Clearly, the move aims to protect US assets, as the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies.

Iran Issues Warning to US

Meanwhile, Iran has warned the United States not to get involved. It threatened to strike American military sites in West Asia if Washington supports Israel’s military campaign.

Although President Donald Trump has not approved any strikes yet, concerns are rising. At the same time, the US embassy in Qatar announced limited access to the airbase. It cited “ongoing regional hostilities” and asked staff to “exercise increased vigilance.”

US Deploys Refuelling Planes to Europe

In addition, the US military sent 27 refuelling aircraft from the United States to Europe between June 15 and 18. These included KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotanker planes. AFP tracked their movements using public flight data.

By late Wednesday, 25 of those planes remained in Europe, while only two had returned home. Since these aircraft are key for long-distance air missions, their deployment suggests the US might be preparing for a larger military role.

US Troops Stay on High Alert

Furthermore, US troops across West Asia are on high alert. Military families have been given the option to leave voluntarily.

Currently, there are about 40,000 US troops in the region. That’s up from the usual 30,000. The number briefly rose to 43,000 in October during earlier tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

Although the Pentagon hasn’t revealed more about troop movements, it said forces are ready to respond quickly to any threat.

Trump to Decide Within Two Weeks

Looking ahead, the White House said Trump will decide within two weeks if the US will support Israel’s operations against Iran’s military and nuclear targets.

Still, Trump hopes diplomacy can work. “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, quoting Trump.