The U.S. military is sending more fighter jets to the Middle East as the war between Israel and Iran continues, according to three U.S. officials cited by Reuters.
The deployment reportedly includes F-16, F-22, and F-35 fighter aircraft. U.S. officials said the move aims to protect American troops and bases in the Middle East, where approximately 40,000 U.S. service members are currently stationed.
The report follows news that the Pentagon moved over 30 KC-135R and KC-46A tanker planes to Europe over the weekend.
U.S. officials told Reuters that the large number of refueling aircraft deployed to Europe is meant “to provide options to President Donald Trump as Middle East tensions erupt into conflict between Iran and Israel.”
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed on Tuesday that he has ordered the deployment of additional capabilities to the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. “These deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region,” he said in a post on X.
— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) June 16, 2025
U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, have repeatedly said that the United States is not directly involved in Israel’s air campaign but is preparing for potential threats. According to The New York Times, Iran is preparing missiles and other weapons for strikes on U.S. bases should America join Israel’s military campaign.
Meanwhile, according to at least three U.S. officials cited by Axios, Trump was actively considering the possibility of intervening in the conflict by targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including its underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordow.
