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Several US military aircraft have been spotted at the Lajes base in Portugal, as the United States increases its presence in the region due to rising tensions with Iran.
The appearance of these aircraft followed a statement by Donald Trump, who left open the possibility of attacks on Iran to pressure it to accept Washington's demands regarding its nuclear program.
The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo da Silva, said the Portuguese government is following "closely and with full awareness of the facts" the use of the Lajes base in Terceira, Azores, by the United States.
The base welcomed 11 KC–46A Pegasus refueling aircraft, 12 F–16 Viper fighter jets, and a C–17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, capable of quickly transporting troops and cargo around the world.
The Pentagon stressed that the United States European Command regularly hosts American military aircraft and personnel under agreements for the use of bases, access and flights with allies and partners.
Military analysts have linked this use of the base to the United States' Operation Midnight Hammer, during which Lajes served as a critical refueling station for B-2 Spirit aircraft that launched airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities last June.
Donald Trump has deployed warships, fighter jets and other military forces to the Middle East as he tries to prevent Iran from building a nuclear bomb. Reports suggest the US military is ready to launch strikes against Iran as early as next weekend.
Washington has deployed over 120 aircraft, including F-22 Raptor, F-16 and F-35A Lightning II, while the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford sailed into the Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar.
The Gerald R. Ford will join the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which includes F–35C stealth fighters, F/A–18 Super Hornets and electronic warfare aircraft. To support the Navy and Air Force, the United States has also deployed advanced Patriot and THAAD air defense systems to the region.
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