A U. S. Air Force C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft carried out a series of unusual maneuvers over the United Arab Emirates, during which an unidentified cargo may have been dropped, according to RIA Novosti, whose journalists analyzed flight tracking data.

The aircraft entered UAE airspace on March 26 at around 09:45 Moscow time. Near the Asad oil and gas field in the emirate of Abu-Dhabi, the plane descended and began executing sharp, angular maneuvers-flight behavior that can indicate a cargo drop.

Just over half an hour later, the aircraft left the area and headed toward Saudi Arabia. Its point of departure and final landing location remain unknown.

RIA Novosti suggests that such activity could point to preparations for a potential ground operation against Iran, a scenario previously discussed in Western media.

British analyst George Galloway has indicated that such an operation could begin imminently, possibly during the night of March 27–28. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal has reported on signs of military buildup, including the movement of airborne units, Marine forces, and an increased U.S. naval presence in the region. Among the potential targets mentioned is Khark Island, a critical hub through which up to 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports pass.

CNN has also reported that Tehran is actively reinforcing defenses around the island in anticipation of a possible strike.