The E-4B Nightwatch aircraft landed at the military facility in suburban Washington, D.C., as speculation grows over potential U.S. military action in Iran.

Newsweek has contacted the Pentagon for comment by email.

Why It Matters

The timing of the E-4B's deployment comes amid heightened tensions as President Donald Trump is reported to be inching closer to ordering military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. While the White House hasn't commented on the aircraft's latest movement, social media users are speculating it signals potential military readiness from the United States.

What To Know

The E-4B "Nightwatch,"dubbed the "Doomsday Plane" is a militarized Boeing 747. It serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and is a key component of the National Military Command System for the president, the secretary of defense and the joint chiefs of staff.

In a national emergency or loss of ground command, the aircraft "provides a highly survivable command, control and communications center to direct U.S. forces, execute emergency war orders, and coordinate actions by civil authorities," the U.S. Air Force said.

It was used during the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The use of an atypical callsign—"ORDER01" instead of the usual "ORDER6"—fueled speculation about the nature of its current mission.

It's unclear whether it latest flight from Barksdale Air Force Base near Bossier City, Louisiana, to Joint Base Andrews was a routine operation, or a precautionary move, but Newsweek previously reported that it is most likely no more than a show of force.

The E-4B Nightwatch can remain airborne for extended periods, capable of refueling mid-air. Protected against electromagnetic pulse attacks, and capable of surviving a nuclear blast, the plane is equipped with advanced satellite communications, shielding technologies, and can accomodate more than 100 people

"In case of national emergency or destruction of ground command and control centers, the aircraft provides a highly survivable command, control and communications center to direct U.S. forces, execute emergency war orders, and coordinate actions by civil authorities," the U.S. Air Force said.