Marta Gichko12:34, 21.06.25

This occurred against the backdrop of an aggravation of the situation and rumors about the possible entry of the United States into the conflict on the side of Israel.

Planet Labs satellites have captured the sudden disappearance of dozens of US military aircraft from Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a key US strategic facility in the Middle East. According to footage from June 5, there were about 40 combat aircraft of various types on the runway. However, a more recent image taken on June 20 shows only three remaining,  Business Insider writes.

Analysts suggest that the mass dispersal of aircraft could be a preemptive measure in response to the growing threat from Iran, which has openly threatened the United States if it intervenes in the conflict between Israel and Tehran. The Al-Udeid base is located near the Persian Gulf and remains one of the potential main targets in the event of an escalation.

Tensions have risen after Israeli forces launched a series of large-scale airstrikes on Iranian territory last week, including on nuclear facilities, military bases, air defense systems and scientific institutions. Iran responded with a series of missile attacks, and the country’s leader warned the United States of “serious consequences” if it supported Israel.

US President Donald Trump said this week that he “may join” Israel’s campaign, hinting at the possibility of using B-2 Spirit strategic bombers to strike deeply defended sites, including the Fordow nuclear complex. This could be done using the 15-ton GBU-57 MOP munition, the most powerful non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal, designed to destroy bunkers.

Meanwhile, the US continues to deploy additional forces to the region, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, tankers and air defense units. The US military has already participated in intercepting Iranian missiles aimed at Israel.

The deployment and movement of military forces indicate a high level of combat readiness in case of further escalation.

(C)UNIAN 2025