US planning something big? Multiple C-17A departures from Middle East raise questions

Washington: Multiple C-17A Globemaster III military transport aircraft have departed Middle East bases for Europe in what observers described as unusual airlift activity, even as tensions remain high following stalled nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran.

“Over the last couple of hours, at least 11 C-17A Globemaster llls and a C-5M Super Galaxy have departed bases in the Middle East returning to Europe, with, for the first time in several weeks, no military cargo flights currently bound for the Middle East from airbases in Europe,” Open Source Intelligence Monitor reported on X.

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The post by OSINTdefender added that the movements followed a message on ACARS from the U.S. Air Force’s Tanker Airlift Control Center at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, to aircraft heading toward King Abdullah II Air Base and other regional locations, which read: “PLEASE MINIMIZE GND TIME. I CANNOT PASS ANYMORE INFO AT THIS TIME.”

The air activity comes as Iran and the United States walked away from another round of nuclear negotiations in Geneva on Thursday without an agreement. Technical discussions are scheduled in Vienna next week.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said “what needs to happen has been clearly spelt out from our side,” while reiterating Tehran’s demand for sanctions relief in exchange for limits on,  but not the end of, its nuclear programme.

The United States has deployed a large military presence in the region, including carrier strike groups and air assets. Iran has warned it would target American forces in the Middle East, including those at bases in allied Arab countries, if attacked.

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The deteriorating security environment has also triggered diplomatic and aviation responses. KLM has suspended flights from Ben Gurion Airport, while several countries have begun precautionary staff withdrawals and issued travel advisories.

Britain’s Foreign Office said “due to the security situation, U.K. staff have been temporarily withdrawn from Iran,” adding that the embassy is operating remotely. It also relocated some personnel and families within Israel and advised against “all but essential travel” to the country.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said London was focused on “supporting the political process” between Washington and Tehran.

Germany has urged citizens to avoid travel to Israel, Australia has ordered the departure of dependents of its officials, and China has advised its nationals in Iran to leave. India and several European states have issued similar cautions.