US Reinforces Israeli Bases as Trump Reviews Iran Strike Plans

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The United States has moved 10 military transport aircraft to Israeli air bases in the southern Negev as President Donald Trump weighs a possible new campaign against Iran, according to Israeli public broadcaster KAN. The aircraft reportedly landed at Ovda and Nevatim, with additional US planes sent to Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Airlift from Fort Bliss

KAN reported that the aircraft departed from Fort Bliss, Texas, home to one of the US military’s largest air-defense centers and stocks of interceptor missiles and related equipment. Analysts cited by Israeli media said the flights may be replenishing interceptors for systems including THAAD and Patriot batteries, though Washington has not confirmed the cargo or the purpose of the deployment.

Trump briefed on options

On the same day, US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper briefed Trump at the White House on military options for Iran, according to The Wall Street Journal. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine also attended the meeting as Washington weighs resuming major combat operations.

Reports said administration officials have alerted Gulf Arab states to prepare for a short, intense campaign after the November 3 midterm elections. Central Command has reportedly prepared options that include infrastructure strikes, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and securing Iran’s enriched uranium, although no final decision has been announced.

Israel wary of a quick deal

Senior Israeli defense officials are said to be concerned that a brief US strike could be followed by negotiations that leave Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence largely intact. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly wants Iran’s nuclear capabilities removed and deeper political change, while Washington may prioritize reopening shipping lanes and limited nuclear restrictions.

Israeli officials have described the emerging US-Iran framework as potentially leaving Iran a nuclear-threshold state, warning that it could provide only temporary calm at the cost of a longer-term threat.