Recent satellite images captured by Planet Labs reveal that nearly 40 US military aircraft, including transport planes like the Hercules C-130, were previously stationed at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. However, as of June 19, only three aircraft are visible on the tarmac, suggesting a strategic relocation. This withdrawal raises concerns of protecting these assets from potential Iranian air strikes, especially as the US evaluates its role in supporting Israel during the ongoing conflict, according to The Jakarta Post and India Times.

The decision to limit access to the base and enforce heightened vigilance among personnel reflects a cautious approach amidst rising regional tensions. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted that President Donald Trump is expected to make a decision within the next two weeks regarding a possible military response to the conflict involving Iran. The potential Iranian retaliation raises alarms about US installations in the area being "extremely vulnerable," as noted by former US Army Lieutenant General Mark Schwartz, according to Business Insider, The Jakarta Post, and India Times.

With tensions escalating following Israeli airstrikes against Iranian targets, the US military presence has been significantly ramped up in the region. Open-source tracking revealed that between June 15 and 18, at least 27 military refueling planes, including KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotanker, repositioned from the US to Europe, with 25 remaining in Europe as of late Wednesday. The ongoing conflict necessitates protective measures for US assets in the Middle East, particularly at the strategically crucial Al Udeid airbase, which serves various operational roles including airlift and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, according to Business Insider and The Jakarta Post.