Germany denies refueling Israeli jets in strikes on Iran

Germany’s Defense Ministry rejected claims on Monday that a German military tanker aircraft refueled Israeli jets involved in recent airstrikes on Iran, calling the reports unfounded.

Germany has firmly denied allegations circulating on social media that one of its military tanker planes supported Israeli airstrikes on Iran.

Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, Defense Ministry spokesman Kenneth Harms clarified that the German A400M tanker aircraft seen in flight tracking data was deployed in Jordan strictly as part of Germany’s contribution to the international coalition against ISIS (Daesh), a mission authorized by the German parliament.

“Our mission continues independently of Israel's military campaign in Iran,” Harms said. “Air operations remain active, and I can state with certainty today that German Air Force aircraft have not provided refueling support to any Israeli fighter jets.”

Over the weekend, speculation emerged online after users observed what they claimed was a German A400M tanker activating its transponder over Jordan during suspected mid-air refueling activity. The aircraft’s transponder signal reportedly went offline shortly afterward, prompting further speculation about its role.

Harms dismissed the allegations, emphasizing that Germany’s operational mandate does not include any cooperation with Israeli air missions, especially in the context of the current conflict with Iran.

The reports follow a dramatic escalation in the region, as Israel and Iran continue to exchange airstrikes in one of the most volatile phases of their long-standing rivalry.

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