Avery Borens, Ben Rezaei, Johanna Moore, and Brian Carter



Information Cutoff: 5:00 AM ET

The Critical Threats Project (CTP) at the American Enterprise Institute and the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) will be publishing two updates per day while conditions in the Middle East warrant it. Our updates will provide insights into the ongoing strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, military infrastructure, and key military and nuclear program leadership. We will prioritize covering Iranian and Iranian-sponsored activities in response to the attacks that threaten US forces and interests.

Click here to see an explainer on the structure and function of the entities within the Iranian armed forces and the roles that they play in regime security.

Six US Air Force air-to-air refuelers moved westward from bases in California and Oklahoma to Honolulu, Hawaii, and Travis Air Force Base, California, respectively, on June 19. Open-source flight trackers showed six US Air Force KC-46A Pegasus aircraft redeploying westward to Travis Air Force Base, California, and Honolulu, Hawaii, on June 19. The KC-46A Pegasus is an aerial refueling aircraft that supports combat operations by enabling aircraft to project power over an extended area.

Key Takeaways:

• The US Air Force deployed six air-to-air refueling aircraft to California and Hawaii. The aircraft support combat operations by enhancing the ability of aircraft to project force.

• Israel has continued to strike Iranian air defense and missile forces. These strikes have helped Israel achieve air superiority over parts of Iran and preempt Iranian missile attacks. 

• Israel has continued to strike the Iranian internal security apparatus, which could degrade the ability of the regime to repress its people.

• Iran has continued firing small waves of one-way attack drones at Israel, but with no real success. The attacks appear poorly coordinated if they are meant to overwhelm Israeli defenses.

Click Here to Read the Full Update

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