A Swarm of U.S. Military Aircraft Masses at Chania International Airport

A cluster of US aircraft was spotted in Chania International Airport (Getty)

A cluster of U.S. military aircraft has been observed at Chania International Airport in Greece, amid what has been described as the largest American aerial military buildup in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Throughout February, squadrons of advanced fighter jets, strategic bombers and aerial refueling aircraft have flowed into forward bases across the region.

Against this backdrop, a concentration of U.S. military aircraft was detected in Greece. High-resolution satellite images published on Feb. 20 by the Chinese satellite account “Mizarvision” show two RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft, one F-35 fighter jet and 11 KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft positioned on the runway at Chania International Airport, located at these coordinates.

High-resolution satellite images published on Feb. 20 by the Chinese satellite account “Mizarvision” show two RC-135 reconnaissance aircraf Against this backdrop, a concentration of U.S. military aircraft was detected in Greece. High-resolution satellite images published on Feb. 20 by the Chinese satellite account “Mizarvision” show two RC-135 reconnaissance aircraf

Iran confirms its readiness to negotiate amid U.S. military buildup

The movements come as Washington bolsters its military presence in the region, amid reports that it could shift from a posture of “conventional deterrence” to one of “high combat readiness,” potentially enabling sustained air operations against Iran and increasing political pressure on Tehran to accept U.S. conditions regarding its nuclear program.

For its part, Iran has signaled readiness to make concessions in talks with the United States in exchange for sanctions relief and recognition of its right to enrich uranium, in an effort to avert a possible U.S. strike.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS News in an interview, “I believe we still have a good opportunity to reach a diplomatic solution that benefits everyone.”

He added that Iran would implement confidence-building measures in return for easing economic sanctions.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, U.S. President Donald Trump set a deadline of “10 to 15 days, at most” to decide on the next steps regarding Iran.

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