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US transfers Patriot air defense system from Texas to Israel

October 30, 2026

The US military is moving a Patriot air and missile defense system from Texas to Israel in preparation for a possible renewed attack on Iran, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on 27 October.

Citing two US officials and flight-tracking data, the WSJ stated that the Patriot system includes radar equipment, an engagement control station, launchers, and interceptor missiles.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) did not respond to questions about the report, citing security reasons.

Open-source flight trackers Interfax and Kommersant recorded at least three C-17 transport flights from Fort Bliss, Texas, to Ovda Air Base in southern Israel in recent days, suggesting the Patriot systems were included in the cargo.

Fort Bliss is home to the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, which commands US Army air defense units.

The move to bolster Israel’s defense with Patriot systems comes amid reports that Washington and Tel Aviv may be preparing for renewed strikes on Iran, WSJ stated.

US officials have reportedly told counterparts in allied Gulf countries to prepare for a short, intense military campaign after the midterm elections in the US scheduled for next week.

US President Donald Trump is seeking to keep energy prices in check ahead of the election to prevent his Republican Party from losing ground to Democrats in the Congress and the Senate.

Zelensky: "The US produces 60-65 Patriot missiles per month. During the first day of the Middle East attack, they used the volume of two years' production."

One day of war for Israel consumed what takes two years to make. The US is emptying its arsenal for a foreign country pic.twitter.com/ZpvwmavyG7

— Ounka (@OunkaOnX) April 24, 2026

In another sign of a possible US assault, the Pentagon has moved troops away from bases considered vulnerable to Iranian attack, restocked munitions in the region, and readied bombers and fighter jets, the WSJ added.

US bases in the Gulf states and Jordan suffered severe damage from Iranian ballistic missiles and drones during the 40 days of intense fighting that followed the late February US-Israeli attack on the Islamic Republic.

Israel was largely spared from Iranian attacks as the US prioritized Tel Aviv’s protection over that of the Gulf states.

An additional aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit are expected to arrive in West Asia in November.

Earlier this month, the US reportedly sent additional Patriot systems to Saudi Arabia and Qatar to protect oil and gas facilities.

🚨 BREAKING: Araghchi WARNS against a potential new war!

“If there’s any rationality, they won’t try MILITARY AGGRESSION against our people AGAIN.”

“They tried TWICE — they saw the RESULT.” ⚠️#Iran #Araghchi #MiddleEast #BreakingNews #IranIsrael #Geopolitics #WarThreats… pic.twitter.com/75NKQ86hYn

— NewsXGlobal (@rpdnetwork) October 25, 2026

Both countries’ energy exports have been curtailed by the US-Israeli war on neighboring Iran, which shuttered the strategic Strait of Hormuz in response.

“The US wanted to reassure both allies that it would protect their key energy facilities in case President Trump decides to resume major combat operations against Iran,” Axios wrote, citing two US officials and one regional source.

President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on escalating the war but is reportedly considering strikes on Iranian infrastructure and nuclear facilities.

Iran has vowed to retaliate to a renewed US-Israeli attack by targeting Gulf energy infrastructure, as well as US interests in the region, including data centers.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of the “devastating impact on int’l markets of any Israel-instigated military misadventure in the Persian Gulf region.”