U.S. Air Force C-17 transport aircraft [Reuters Yonhap News]

A U.S. transport aircraft was spotted conducting maneuver training in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that appeared to be in preparation for ground operations in Iran, according to a report by RIA Novosti on the 26th (local time).

According to an analysis of flight data by the outlet, a U.S. Air Force C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft entered UAE airspace at approximately 9:45 AM Moscow time.

It then descended towards the Asab oil and gas fields in Abu Dhabi and executed a sharp turn, a maneuver that appears to be for cargo airdrop, the report stated.

The transport aircraft exited UAE airspace at approximately 10:20 AM and flew towards Saudi Arabia. Its point of origin and destination are unknown. RIA Novosti commented on this, suggesting it "indicates preparations for ground operations in Iran."

The Globemaster III is a large transport aircraft capable of performing tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo worldwide. It played a crucial role in logistics during U.S. military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

On the 24th, the U.S. daily New York Times (NYT) reported that approximately 2,000 troops from the U.S. Army's elite 82nd Airborne Division had been ordered to deploy to the Middle East. Separately, it was reported that approximately 5,000 troops belonging to two U.S. Marine Expeditionary Units were heading to the Middle East.