One of the United States' most heavily protected military aircraft, designed to keep the government running during a nuclear war, was spotted flying across the country on Thursday, November 5, just as President Donald Trump warned of possible further strikes against Iran. The Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, commonly known as the "Doomsday Plane", took off from Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska before heading east towards Washington, DC, on an undisclosed mission.

Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft crossing Illinois, Indiana and Ohio before turning south over northern Virginia. At around 2:41pm Eastern Time, the plane was flying over Ohio at an altitude of 31,000 feet and a speed of approximately 660mph.

Its destination was not immediately disclosed, while the US military has not confirmed the purpose of the flight or who was travelling aboard. The movement came as Trump renewed his warning to Iran during a meeting with reporters at the White House.

"I would rather not destroy the rest of the country if possible, but maybe I'll have to," Trump said, adding that a decision would be made soon. The US Air Force operates only four E-4B aircraft, which are equipped to withstand the electromagnetic effects of a nuclear explosion.

They serve as flying command centres, allowing the president and senior military officials to direct US forces even if command facilities on the ground are destroyed. The aircraft can also refuel mid-air and maintain communications with military units around the world.

However, the Air Force routinely operates these planes for training and official travel, and there is no evidence linking Thursday's flight to any planned military action against Iran. Defense analysts continue to monitor such strategic flights closely amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East region.