Washington: With tensions rising between Israel and Iran, President Donald Trump has launched stern warnings, declaring his patience with Tehran "wearing thin."

He also claimed complete control of the skies over Iran on social media. In response, the Pentagon has moved military aircraft and warships into the region, primarily to defend Israel from Iranian attacks using defensive measures rather than offensive strikes.

Jets and refueling tankers deployed for protection

Additional US fighter jets and aerial refuelling tankers have been dispatched to the Middle East. While officials declined to specify numbers, they confirmed no American jets have flown over Iran itself.

The US Air Force is also operating extra refuellers and fighters from bases across Europe (including England, Spain, Germany and Greece), according to Aurora Intel, which monitors public tracking data.

US fighter jets are patrolling the skies to safeguard personnel and facilities across the region. Bases have heightened security protocols. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth explained that these movements aim to "ensure that our people are safe."

Naval presence intensifies near Israel

Several US warships have been active in intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles that were targeting Israel. The USS The Sullivans and USS Arleigh Burke were involved in strikes over a weekend, with the Thomas Hudner joining The Sullivans in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Arleigh Burke later withdrew from the area. Meanwhile, the USS Carl Vinson, along with its accompanying vessels, is stationed in the Arabian Sea to protect US troops and bases near the Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf, although it is not directly involved in defending Israel.

Carrier rotation to maintain naval strength

The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier is en route from the Indo-Pacific region and expected to arrive in the Middle East by the end of the month. For a short period, both the Nimitz and the Carl Vinson are likely to be stationed in the region together, after which the Vinson will return to San Diego.

US Navy destroyers are also deployed in the Red Sea and the Western Mediterranean, with others taking part in exercises in the Baltic Sea.

Troop safety measures and increased deployment

Currently, around 40,000 US troops are stationed in the Middle East, a rise from the usual 30,000. The number peaked at 43,000 last October during previous tensions with Iran and Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. In recent days, precautions have included optional relocation of military dependents to minimise risk.

Bunkering up: Bombers and bunker-buster munitions

Although the US has not taken offensive action, it retains the capacity to strike deep underground. The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is the only aircraft capable of carrying the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a 30,000-pound bunker-buster theoretically capable of targeting hardened Iranian facilities like the Fordo nuclear site. Currently, no B-2s are stationed in the Middle East. However, B-52 bombers based in Diego Garcia remain available.

If the US were to carry out such a strike, a B-2 would need to fly from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, making a 30-hour round trip with multiple in-flight refuelling operations.