Satellite Image Reveals: U.S. Bolsters Military Presence Near Iran

The United States has significantly increased its military footprint on Diego Garcia, a key island base in the Indian Ocean, amid escalating tensions with Iran and Yemen. A satellite image published by Newsweek shows enhanced activity at the base, jointly operated by the U.S. and Britain, indicating preparations that could support a potential strike in the region.

According to the report, the U.S. Air Force has deployed several KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling planes to the base, along with a possible augmentation of combat aircraft, including F-15s. Transport capabilities also appear to have been strengthened with the presence of C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.

In March, Washington had already transferred four B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to Diego Garcia. These bombers, capable of long-range precision strikes, remain stationed at the island according to the recent satellite image. Defense analysts view this posture as a clear signal of readiness, should diplomacy with Tehran fail.

Meanwhile, U.S.-Israel tensions over Iran policy have surfaced more prominently. Israeli media reported a contentious phone call between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump last week, in stark contrast to official statements from both offices claiming consensus on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

According to Channel 12, Trump emphasized his pursuit of a diplomatic resolution, reportedly telling Netanyahu, “I want a diplomatic solution with the Iranians. I believe in my ability to make a good deal.” Netanyahu’s office has denied that the call was tense, but insiders suggest the discussion reflected deep strategic divergence.

The tensions were further highlighted during a visit to Jerusalem by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, a key Trump ally. Noem revealed that Trump had sent her personally to reinforce his commitment to diplomacy and unity. Describing her meeting with Netanyahu as “very candid,” Noem remarked that his team “don’t remember a bilateral meeting that was quite that candid and direct.”

“We are on a short timeframe here,” Noem said. “The Iranians have been given a very short time frame, a matter of days, and I asked the prime minister to work with President Trump to make sure we’re making wise decisions together.”

Noem underlined that while Trump is committed to peace, he is resolute in preventing Iran from becoming nuclear-capable. “The president will never accept a nuclear-capable Iran,” she said, adding that the intelligence Israel shares with the U.S. is “critically important.”