[Source/Observer Network, Chen Sijia] According to a report by Agence France-Presse on June 19, as U.S. President Donald Trump weighs whether to intervene in the conflict between Israel and Iran, the latest satellite images show that dozens of U.S. military aircraft have left the apron of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Some analysts believe that this deployment may be to avoid attacks from Iranian air forces.

America's commercial satellite company Planet Labs released images showing that in the image taken on June 5, nearly 40 military aircraft were still parked on the apron of Al Udeid Air Base, including American C-130 transport planes and reconnaissance aircraft. However, in the latest image taken on June 19, only three aircraft can be seen on the apron.

An American defense official refused to comment on specific military deployments, stating only to AFP: "We remain committed to ensuring safe operations while executing our mission at the highest levels of readiness, lethality, and professionalism."

The U.S. Embassy in Qatar said on June 19 that, considering ongoing regional conflicts, out of caution, access to Al Udeid Air Base will be restricted, and staff are urged to "remain vigilant".

Satellite image comparison on June 5 (left) and June 19 (right), Agence France-Presse

Analysts believe that these aircraft may have been transferred to hangars or relocated to other U.S. military bases in the region. Mark Schwartz, a retired U.S. Army major general and defense researcher at the RAND Corporation, said that Al Udeid Air Base is "very close" to Iran, making personnel, aircraft, and facilities at the base "extremely vulnerable." "You certainly want to reduce risks for U.S. personnel and equipment," he added.

In addition, Newsweek reported on June 18 that the latest satellite images show that all U.S. Navy ships deployed at Naval Support Activity Bahrain have left port, with no vessels remaining in the harbor. The Associated Press pointed out that dispersing ships is a common safety measure for navies when facing trouble.

Agence France-Presse noted that since the conflict between Israel and Iran, the U.S. has conducted a series of military deployments. According to open-source information, at least 27 U.S. Air Force KC-46A and KC-135 tankers flew from the United States to Europe between June 15 and 18. As of local time on June 18, only two tankers returned to the United States, while the remaining 25 remained in Europe.

The U.S. Naval Institute News website (USNI) reported that the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, deployed in the Western Pacific, has also been dispatched to the Middle East. It will support U.S. operations in the region alongside the USS Carl Vinson, which has been deployed in the Middle East for more than 200 days. It remains unclear how long the USS Nimitz will stay in the Middle East.

Bloomberg and other U.S. media outlets reported that Trump has been holding meetings with senior advisors in the White House Situation Room recently. White House press secretary Caroline Levitt read out Trump's latest statement on June 19, indicating that new negotiations with Iran may take place "in the near future," and a decision on whether to join Israel in attacking Iran will be made "within the next two weeks."

This article is an exclusive piece by Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7517946288374137381/

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