Buzz around a possible US action against Iran grew on Monday amid growing concerns over regional instability in the Middle Eastern country.
Flight-tracking data shows that two more US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft have arrived in the region.
The C-17, developed to replace the C-141 Starlifter, is designed for both strategic and tactical airlift, capable of carrying up to 170,900 pounds of cargo and operating from short, unpaved runways.
Two US Air Force C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft, with callsigns RCH183 (serial 06-6158) and RCH181 (serial 06-6163), departed RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom and are being tracked over the Mediterranean Sea, according to the latest available flight-monitoring data.
Two more U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft have landed in the Middle East. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KVYx3jMkce— AsiaWarZone (@AsiaWarZone) January 19, 2026
The arrival of the American aircraft has heightened buzz over a possible US strike against Iran, which has been witnessing widespread protests against the current regime.
Earlier, Israeli media reported that the Benjamin Netanyahu government originally objected to a potential US strike on Iran, arguing that the proposed plan was “not enough to topple the Iranian regime.”
Meanwhile, a Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone, registration number 169661, has emerged as one of the most closely tracked aircraft on Flightradar.
The aircraft departed Abu Dhabi and has been observed flying over the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, near Iran, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, although its final destination remains unclear.
Flight-monitoring data also indicates:
Map of US airlift toward the Middle East: -15 F-15 along with 4 Refuelling Tankers landed in Jordan from UK. -Notable US C-17 transport flights landing in Diego Garcia. -Carrier Strike group reached Malacca straight 5 day ETA. -RAF movements to Bahrain(Could be Routine). pic.twitter.com/kzSSZBWyU7 — WarMonitor🇺🇦🇬🇧 (@WarMonitor3) January 18, 2026
The buildup follows a warning from Tehran that any move against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would be considered an act of war.
Reports suggest that 12 F-15 fighter jets have arrived in Jordan over the past 24 hours, raising speculation about possible US intervention should unrest in Iran intensify.
The US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by the destroyers USS Spruance and USS Michael Murphy, is also heading toward the region. Cargo aircraft and refuelling planes have reportedly delivered Patriot missile batteries to Diego Garcia to enhance the protection of US bases and assets in the Gulf.
According to The Jerusalem Post, US officials have said the objective is to “build a significant force in the Middle East that would provide Trump with a broad range of options should he decide to strike Iran.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has conveyed to Washington that Israel “was not prepared to defend itself in the event of an Iranian response to an American strike,” given the current level of US forces in the region.
Israeli media also report that Netanyahu has convened high-level security meetings to review possible scenarios and strengthen national preparedness. As part of these steps, three additional F-35I Adir stealth fighters have landed at Nevatim Airbase.
This comes as US President Donald Trump on called for an end to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s 37-year reign.
“It’s time to look for new leadership in Iran,” Trump told POLITICO, as widespread protests calling for an end to the regime appear to have waned.
The evolving deployment underscores the sharp rise in US and Israeli military readiness as the standoff with Iran deepens.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
