A Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, a vital aerial refueling aircraft for the US military, declared an emergency by transmitting a '7700' distress signal while flying over the Persian Gulf near Qatar. The aircraft took off from Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates and was reportedly supporting military operations in the region. Flight tracking data indicated that the plane flew in a circular pattern before descending, but its signals were lost, and the exact cause of the emergency is still unknown. The US military has not released any statements regarding the incident, and Iran's Fars news agency reported on the plane's disappearance without indicating any involvement from Iran. This incident comes after a similar event in March when a KC-135 was shot down in Iraq by an Iran-backed group. The KC-135 Stratotanker has been in service for over 60 years, primarily used for aerial refueling, but it can also transport cargo and support medical evacuations.