U.S. Bolsters Military Presence in Middle East Amid Rising Iran Tensions
Washington deploys fighter jets, refueling aircraft, and warships to counter potential Iranian retaliation and support Israeli plans to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Watan-The United States has moved additional fighter jets into the region and expanded the deployment of its existing military aircraft following the arrival of over 12 KC-135R and KC-46A air refueling planes in Europe. Officials told Reuters that the deployment includes F-16, F-22, and F-35 fighter jets.
According to The New York Times, the U.S. has sent about 30 aerial refueling aircraft to Europe. These could be used to support fighter jets protecting American bases or to extend the range of bombers in any potential strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly prepared missiles and military equipment to target American bases in the region if the U.S. joins the war. Israel is pressuring the White House to participate in its aggression against Iran, particularly to strike the Fordow nuclear facility, which, according to reports, requires deployment of the U.S. B-2 bomber currently stationed at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
U.S. Expands Air Power in Middle East to Counter Drone and Missile Threats
The War Zone reported that F-22s might arrive from Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, while F-35s are likely deployed from Vermont Air National Guard or a British Royal Air Force base. The buildup also includes F-16s equipped with laser-guided systems to shoot down drones launched by the Houthis since last year. U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles have played a vital role in countering missile and drone attacks on Israel over the past year.
Aircraft Carriers and Naval Assets
According to The Washington Post, the Pentagon maintains a wide array of defenses in the region, including the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea with the guided missile cruiser USS Princeton. The U.S. Navy also canceled a planned stop in Vietnam for the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and redirected it and accompanying vessels to the region. It carries about 5,000 sailors and dozens of fighter jets—bringing the number of U.S. aircraft carriers in the region to two.
In the Arabian Sea, destroyers USS Milius, USS Sterett, and USS Wayne E. Meyer are stationed, in addition to USS Truxtun and USS Forrest Sherman in the Red Sea. The combat ship USS Canberra docked in Bahrain late last month.
More Destroyers Deployed
The U.S. Navy also has three destroyers in the Mediterranean: USS Sullivan, USS Arleigh Burke, and USS Hines. The USS Thomas Hudner, which was in the western Mediterranean during the early stages of the military strikes on Iran last week, has since moved closer to Israel in the eastern Mediterranean, according to defense officials.
Flight-tracking data indicated that aerial refueling aircraft and some heavy transport planes took off from various U.S. locations and landed hours later at airbases in Spain, Greece, Germany, Italy, and Scotland. Aircraft involved included KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-46 Pegasuses. U.S. officials stated that this step brings the aircraft closer to the region to defend American interests if needed. Defense sources also noted the possibility of deploying additional fighter jets, though details on their type or destination remain unclear.
There are currently about 40,000 American troops in the region—up from the usual 30,000—since October, according to Associated Press sources.
In a Fox News interview, U.S. Defense Secretary reaffirmed that the U.S. is acting defensively but will protect its interests. “The current situation indicates we are vigilant, and we have sent clear messages that we are present in the region to defend our people and assets,” he said. In recent days, missile defense systems like Patriot and THAAD have been used to shoot down Iranian drones and missiles, according to The Washington Post.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also stated in a Monday press conference that American pilots are targeting Iranian drones.
