Jerusalem/ Said Amouri/ Anadolu

The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported on Saturday that the United States has begun sending additional aerial reinforcements to the Middle East, including fighter jets and refueling aircraft, amidst escalating tensions with Iran.

The broadcaster, citing unnamed U.S. sources, reported that a squadron of F-16 fighter jets landed in Jordan over the past few hours.

It added that other U.S. fighter jets are expected to arrive at military bases in the region in the coming days.

According to a U.S. source who spoke to the broadcaster, the reinforcements also include F-35 fighter jets, which are expected to be fully deployed once logistical arrangements are finalized.

This information aligns with U.S. military reports stating that the Pentagon is dispatching additional F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, along with refueling aircraft, to the Middle East.

The broadcaster stated that the U.S. administration has informed Israel of plans to adjust its military deployment in the region.

According to the report, the plans include sending more refueling aircraft, some of which have already arrived at the Ovda Airbase in southern Israel, while others are expected to arrive at additional bases.

It mentioned that the reinforcements are intended to support potential U.S. military operations at a time of rising confrontation with Iran.

There has been no immediate comment from U.S. or Israeli authorities regarding the details of the reinforcements or their deployment locations.

In a related context, the broadcaster noted that Israeli authorities are seeking to reduce the use of Ben Gurion civilian airport for receiving U.S. refueling aircraft to avoid disrupting air traffic and cancelling flights.

It cited Israeli security officials as saying that "security considerations will take precedence over any other considerations" in the event of an escalation.

On Friday, Hebrew media reported that Washington intends to send a new batch of refueling aircraft to Israel.

The newspaper "Israel Hayom" reported that Tel Aviv and Washington have reached an understanding allowing U.S. aircraft to be received at Israeli Air Force bases instead of relying on Ben Gurion Airport.

The newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth" stated that the arrangement was made for operational and military reasons, and to minimize the impact of the U.S. aircraft presence on civil aviation.

According to Israeli reports, it was decided to reduce the number of U.S. refueling aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport to 20 by next Tuesday, and to relocate the other aircraft to Israeli military bases.

It is worth noting that the number of U.S. aircraft parked at the airport reached 33, exceeding the agreed-upon number, which raised warnings of disruptions to civil flights during the summer travel season.

On June 18, 2026, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding that included a cessation of military operations, and began negotiations mediated by Pakistan and Qatar.

However, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on July 8 that the ceasefire had ended following renewed escalation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States subsequently resumed airstrikes inside Iran, while Tehran responded with attacks targeting U.S. bases and sites in the region.

The U.S. Central Command states that its operations are aimed at undermining Iranian military capabilities and sites that pose an imminent threat.