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Shift in Plans for Iran? - Flight Suspension to Crete and Trump's Statements

Published January 15, 2026, 06:10
Shift in Plans for Iran? - Flight Suspension to Crete and Trump's Statements

Significant activity and a sudden change in plans have been observed regarding US military flights connected to the Middle East, Iran, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Two USAF C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft, scheduled to depart from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar for Chania, were ordered to 'return to chocks,' temporarily canceling their mission. Simultaneously, six KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling tankers took off from the same base. This shift in plans coincided with public statements by Donald Trump regarding the alleged cessation of executions in Iran. The timing has raised questions about a possible reassessment of the security situation or a change in operational phase by the US. As of now, there has been no official announcement from the Pentagon or US forces in the region explaining the reasons for the cancellation or the precise role of the flights. However, the simultaneous movement of transport and tanker aircraft suggests heightened alert and rapid adaptation of US plans in the broader Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean area. The situation is being closely monitored, as the change in flight plans and Trump's statements indicate potential developments in the region.