A US Air Force C-17A Globemaster III aircraft carried out maneuvers over the UAE that may indicate preparations for a ground operation in Iran, RIA Novosti reported after analyzing flight data.

According to Wall Street Journal journalist Alex Ward, citing several members of Congress, an invasion of Iran could begin in the near future.

The military aircraft, capable of transporting personnel and ammunition for prolonged operations, entered UAE airspace this morning.

After reaching the area of the Asab oil and gas field in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, it descended and began flying in a sharp-angled pattern, reportedly dropping cargo.

The aircraft later exited the country’s airspace via the border with Saudi Arabia. Its point of departure and final destination remain unknown.