In a high-stakes move, the United States has dispatched its advanced F-22 stealth fighter jets to the Middle East, according to an official statement from the US military on Thursday. This deployment is a strategic effort to bolster American forces in the region amidst growing concerns of an imminent Iranian counterattack against Israel.
US Central Command revealed the deployment as part of a broader initiative to adjust the “force posture” in the region. This shift is aimed at minimizing the chances of an escalation fueled by Iran or its affiliated groups, though details regarding the number of F-22s or their precise location remain undisclosed.
The decision follows a recent directive from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who ordered the repositioning of additional military assets, including warships and a fighter squadron, to the Middle East last week.
This military buildup comes on the heels of a rocket attack in Iraq earlier this week, which left seven American personnel injured. The attack has been attributed to an Iran-backed militia group by Washington, further escalating tensions in the already volatile region.
As tensions continue to mount, Tehran and its allied forces are anticipated to retaliate against Israel for the recent assassination of key Hamas and Hezbollah figures. These killings, either directly claimed by Israel or attributed to it, mark a significant escalation in a series of retaliatory attacks that have raised fears of a broader regional conflict stemming from the ongoing Gaza war.
