Amid lingering questions over Israel’s deep strikes into Iranian territory, the U.S. Department of Defense has firmly denied assisting the Israeli Air Force with aerial refueling during its recent 12-day war with Iran. With distances of nearly 600 miles between the countries, observers had speculated that U.S. tanker support was vital to sustain Israel’s extended operations. However, a spokesperson for the U.S. Air Force clarified that while joint training occurs in the region, “U.S. aerial refueling platforms do not conduct inflight refueling operations with the IAF.”

Israeli Operations Relied On Self-Sufficiency

With only seven aging KC-707 refueling tankers in its fleet, Israel’s ability to sustain dozens of airstrikes over such long distances surprised many analysts. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) reportedly relied heavily on external drop tanks, conformal fuel tanks, and modified F-35I configurations to increase operational range. Initial waves of attacks focused on Iranian nuclear and missile sites, with fighters pushing deep into Iranian airspace and returning with minimal fuel reserves.

The Mossad also reportedly contributed through sabotage operations that suppressed enemy air defenses from within Iran, further enabling the IAF’s effectiveness in the opening days of the war.

Denial Reinforces Secrecy Around Israel’s War Strategy

The denial from the U.S. has left analysts with few answers about how Israel managed such sustained air operations with limited tanker assets. Speculation about secret support or regional basing in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, or even Azerbaijan remains unverified.

While the sortie volume declined in later days of the conflict, the depth and intensity of Israeli strikes reportedly increased. By the end of the campaign, some aircraft were flying with maximum external fuel loads and returning nearly empty, according to defense sources.

The U.S. military’s claim that Israel conducted these missions alone only deepens the mystery around one of the most ambitious and far-reaching air campaigns the region has witnessed in years.