Washington is said to have dispatched a dozen F-22 stealth fighter jets to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate
Multiple media outlets reported on Tuesday that the US has sent a squadron of advanced F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets to an Israeli Air Force base in southern Israel, citing US officials and flight tracking data. This reported action is part of a large-scale US military buildup in the Middle East amid growing tensions with Iran.
According to videos and photos shared by plane spotters (and verified by the New York Times), 12 F-22s were observed departing Royal Air Force Lakenheath in England on Tuesday.
A US official confirmed to both the Times of Israel and the New York Times that the fighter jets are being deployed to Israel, with some already having arrived. This deployment marks the first known operational movement of F-22s to the region during the ongoing standoff with Tehran.
Retired US Air Force Lieutenant General David Deptula called the move significant, telling the New York Times it “shows preparation for a more aggressive approach toward Iran and possible collaboration with Israel in an attack. It sends a signal that the US is ready to strike if Iran does not accept US conditions.”
Last week, US President Donald Trump issued Iran a 10-to-15-day ultimatum to reach an agreement on dismantling its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, warning that “really bad things” will occur if Iran fails to comply.
Washington has already sent two aircraft carrier strike groups to the Middle East. Multiple media outlets state that US plans for potential strikes are well-developed, with options including targeting individual leaders and seeking regime change.
Tehran has indicated it favors a diplomatic approach and is working on a draft proposal for new negotiations, per Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
However, an Iranian defense source warned in a statement to RT that any attack would be considered a “full-scale war” and would trigger a “broad and unrestricted response.”
Russia has called for a peaceful resolution, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov cautioning that strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities could lead to a nuclear disaster.
The US previously targeted Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025 during Israel’s 12-day air campaign against Iran.