The US military is reinforcing its presence in the Middle East by deploying additional fighter aircraft and extending the deployment of existing warplanes, according to three US officials. The move comes as US President Donald Trump is considering joining Israel’s ongoing strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, according to US media reports.
Trump held an-hour-and-20-minute meeting with his national security team in the White House Situation Room on Tuesday, where he reviewed options related to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
A US official confirmed to Reuters that the reinforcements include F-16, F-22, and F-35 fighter jets.
US SAYS TROOP DEPLOYMENTS IN MIDEAST ARE PURELY DEFENSIVE
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the deployments as a defensive measure, emphasising Washington’s aim to protect its forces in the Middle East from potential retaliation by Iran and its regional allies.
A fourth US defence official on Tuesday suggested deploying more US Navy warships to the Eastern Mediterranean. These warships would be equipped to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles.
The United States has a sizeable force in the Middle East, with nearly 40,000 troops in the region. This force includes air defence systems, fighter aircraft, and warships that can detect and shoot down enemy missiles.
On Tuesday, Israel launched its most significant aerial offensive to date against Iran, citing its conclusion that Iran was nearing the development of a nuclear weapon. However, Iran refutes these allegations, asserting its entitlement, as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, to nuclear technology for peaceful applications, including enrichment.
With inputs from Reuters
