Why is the US sending fuel tankers to the Middle East?

More than 30 US military fuel tankers have been sent to the Middle East in the past few days, according to US officials interviewed by CNN.

If that country's president Donald Trump orders the US to intervene in the Israeli-Iranian conflict, the tankers could be used to support Israeli fighter jet missions against Iran with the ability to refuel in the air.

Without this capability, Israeli warplanes have limited dwell time over Iran, searching for targets before returning to Israel to refuel. Although the Israeli Air Force has several tankers, they cannot support the number of aircraft Israel sends over Iran.

This could be particularly important if Israeli aircraft decide to attack mobile ballistic missile launch systems.

The tankers could also support the US Air Force's B-2 bombers if Trump orders them to attack Iran's nuclear facilities. In past conflicts in the region, the B-2s were deployed from their single base in Missouri and required mid-air refueling to stay airborne during the flight.

The tankers would not only be able to support B-2 and B-52 bombers, if deployed, but also other US military aircraft from bases in the region and aircraft carriers in the Indian Ocean, should they be ordered into combat.

America gives Iran 48 hours?

Some US officials stressed that the next 48 hours will determine whether Washington and Tehran can find a diplomatic solution to the growing crisis in the Middle East.

While Trump was meeting with advisers in the White House emergency room, sources in Washington told"ABC News" that the US president had become frustrated with Iran.

He also won't want the situation to develop to the point where it looks like Iran has exposed his bluff, the outlet reports.

The US officially claims that it is still in a"defensive" position, despite numerous military activities moving ships and planes to the Middle East.

US commanders have now put troops on high alert across the region, with no clear signs of the conflict abating.

An estimated 40,000 US troops are still active throughout the Middle East, joined by stockpiles of military equipment.

The Trump-Khamenei conflict

In the midst of ultimatums and incendiary statements, the conflict between Trump and Khamnei flared up.

Trump announced on social networks that the United States knows the location where Khamenei is hiding, but that"they will not kill him yet".

- We know exactly where the so-called"supreme leader" is hiding. He's an easy target, but he's safe there, we won't eliminate him (kill him!), at least not for now. But we don't want rockets fired at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is running out - Trump announced on the"Truth social" network.

A few minutes later he made another post, writing:"UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER".

Khamenei waited for about 12 hours to pass before saying that Trump's threats were ridiculous and that Israel would pay for attacks on Iran.

- Our armed forces are ready to defend the homeland, with the support of officials and all segments of the nation. The Zionist regime made a big mistake and will be punished for its actions - said Khamenei.

The supreme leader of Iran declared that the people will not forget the blood of the"martyrs" and the attack on their territory.

He said that"the Americans should know that the Iranian people will not surrender and that any of their military interventions will undoubtedly cause irreparable damage."

Khamenei condemned the "threatening and ridiculous" statements of US President Donald Trump, regarding the"unconditional capitulation of Iran".

The supreme leader of Iran said that peace or war cannot be imposed on the Islamic Republic, reports Reuters.

- Intelligent people who know Iran, the Iranian nation and its history will never speak threatening language to this nation because the Iranian nation will not surrender - he stated.

Follow the latest news about the war between Iran and Israel in our live blog.

Read also why Israel attacked Iran right now and why the conflict flared up.

Who has a stronger army - Iran or Israel see in a separate text.