The United States has deployed advanced F-22 stealth fighter jets to a southern Israeli airbase as tensions with Iran continue to escalate. The move comes amid ongoing discussions over Iran’s nuclear program and growing concerns of a potential military confrontation.
According to a report by The Times of Israel, flight tracking data and aviation observers confirmed that the aircraft had been stationed in the United Kingdom in recent days before departing for Israel on Tuesday. A total of 12 F-22 jets were seen taking off from RAF Lakenheath in England.
The F-22 Raptor is widely regarded as one of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft, known for its speed, maneuverability, and stealth capabilities that enable it to evade radar detection. Such deployments to Israeli bases are rare outside of joint military exercises.
The development comes despite ongoing diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran. Representatives from both countries are scheduled to meet in Geneva on Thursday to discuss Iran’s nuclear program. However, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that military action against Iran remains an option if negotiations collapse. In response, Iranian officials have threatened to target Israel and US interests in the region if attacked.
Israeli officials reportedly believe a US strike on Iran may now be “inevitable.” In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, one official said a diplomatic resolution to the crisis would be “the biggest surprise of the year.”
Open-source analysts have observed dozens of US aircraft — including F-35, F-22, F-15, and F-16 fighter jets — moving toward the Middle East in recent days. Analysts suggest this may represent the largest concentration of US military assets in the region since the 2003 Iraq War.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that diplomacy remains President Trump’s first preference but emphasized that he would not hesitate to use the “lethal force” of the US military if necessary.
Meanwhile, the CIA released a video in Persian detailing secure methods for Iranian dissidents to contact the agency.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remains committed to reaching a fair and balanced agreement but insisted that Iran will never relinquish its right to peaceful nuclear technology.
At the same time, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ground forces have begun military exercises along the country’s southern coast. The drills include simulated attacks on enemy targets using drones, mortars, and missile systems.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also indicated that Israel is working to form a regional alliance to counter what he described as an Iran- and Muslim Brotherhood-backed axis. Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is reportedly maintaining regular contact with US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine.
Israeli officials have urged Washington not to prolong negotiations in a way that could allow Iran additional time to advance its nuclear capabilities.
