The United States has redeployed aerial refueling tankers to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, marking their first reported return since Operation Epic Fury. Satellite imagery from June 22 reportedly showed at least twelve tanker aircraft at the strategic Gulf base, highlighting a renewed U.S. air power posture in the region. The buildup comes as Washington begins scaling back parts of its military presence in Israel while maintaining the ability to rapidly project force across the Middle East. The move also follows President Trump's warning that the U.S. could quickly restore a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz if necessary.