Israel Rates Iran Strike Probability at 40–55 Percent as US Tankers and AWACS Deploy
News and analytical materials - PravdaReport [Unofficial]
February 18, 2026
In a significant buildup, multiple US military aircraft-including refueling, transport, and AWACS planes-have arrived in Europe and are now heading toward the Middle East.
Aircraft Deployed
9 KC-135R aerial refueling tankers
3 military transport aircraft (C-130J and C-17)
2 Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS planes
Most tankers are expected to make an intermediate stop on Crete before accompanying fighter jets to the Middle East.
High Air Traffic and Rising Threat
Recent US air traffic toward the Middle East over the past 48 hours is abnormally high, signaling the seriousness of the situation. Updated Israeli assessments place the probability of a strike against Iran between February 18-24 at medium-high (approximately 40-55%), up from a previous estimate of 20-35%.
Discussion in the ATmosphere