Washington has reportedly sent a dozen F-22 stealth fighters to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran
The US has deployed a squadron of advanced F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets to an Israeli Air Force base in the country’s south, multiple media outlets claimed on Tuesday, citing US officials and flight tracking data. The reported move comes as part of a major US military buildup in the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran.
Twelve F-22s were seen taking off from Royal Air Force Lakenheath in England on Tuesday, according to videos and photos published by plane spotters and verified by the New York Times.
A US official confirmed to the Times of Israel and NYT that the fighters were being sent to Israel and that some had already arrived. The deployment marks the first known operational movement of F-22s to the region amid the ongoing standoff with Tehran.
Retired US Air Force Lieutenant General David Deptula described the move as significant, telling NYT it “indicates preparation for a more aggressive stance toward Iran and potential cooperation with Israel in an attack. It signals that the US is serious about attacking if Iran does not agree to US terms.”
Last week, US President Donald Trump gave Iran a ten to 15-day ultimatum to reach an agreement on dismantling its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, warning that “really bad things” will happen if it does not comply.
Washington has already deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups to the Middle East. Multiple media outlets report that US plans for possible strikes are at an advanced stage, with options including targeting individual leaders and pursuing regime change.
Tehran has signaled it prefers a diplomatic path and is preparing a draft proposal for new negotiations, according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
However, an Iranian defense source warned in a statement to RT that any attack would be deemed a “full-scale war” and would be met with a “broad and unlimited response.”
Russia has urged a peaceful settlement, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warning that strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites could cause a nuclear disaster.
The US previously struck Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025 during Israel’s 12-day air campaign against the country.