At least 25 U.S. aerial refueling tankers have reportedly been positioned at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, marking the largest reported concentration of American tanker aircraft at the base since the war with Iran began.

Satellite imagery cited in recent reports shows the aircraft dispersed across the air base, rather than concentrated in a single area.

The tankers had reportedly been withdrawn from Al Udeid earlier in the conflict amid concerns over potential Iranian missile attacks and began returning to the base around June.

The renewed concentration of aerial refueling aircraft could significantly expand the range and endurance of U.S. combat aircraft operating across the Middle East, although the deployment alone does not confirm preparations for a new attack on Iran.

The reported buildup comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high, with both sides issuing increasingly strong military warnings.