The U.S military is increasing its air power in the Middle East by deploying additional fighter jets and extending current warplane missions as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, three U.S. officials told Reuters.
One official confirmed the move includes the deployment of advanced aircraft such as F-16s, F-22s and F-35s, aimed at reinforcing American military presence and deterrence in the volatile region.
Two of the officials emphasized that the deployment is defensive in nature, noting the fighter jets have been used primarily to intercept and destroy drones and incoming projectiles.
On Tuesday afternoon, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran. Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn’t compare to American made, conceived, and manufactured “stuff.” Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA.”
The president also said the U.S. knows where Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is hiding but doesn’t want him killed “for now.” Trump also urged Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” as the Israel-Iran conflict escalates.
Arriving at the White House early Tuesday, Trump faced a pivotal moment as Israel’s five-day campaign of missile strikes against Iran has reportedly inflicted significant damage. Israeli officials believe they are close to delivering a decisive blow to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure — particularly if the U.S. provides advanced support, such as bunker-busting munitions or direct military assistance.
Trump has expressed frustration with Iran’s refusal to reach a deal curbing its nuclear ambitions. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said he is no longer inclined to negotiate.
Israel launched its largest-ever air campaign against Iran on Friday, claiming Tehran was nearing the development of a nuclear weapon. Iran has rejected the accusation, insisting its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes and citing its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which permits uranium enrichment for civilian use.
Iran’s official death toll remains at 224, but the Washington-based group Human Rights Activists reports at least 452 fatalities linked to the Israeli offensive. The organization says it verifies information by crosschecking local reports from within Iran against a network of sources it maintains inside the country.
In the recent escalation between Israel and Iran, 24 people have been reported killed in Israel due to Iranian strikes.
Trump is increasingly framing the conflict as one requiring a firm U.S. response. His remarks coincide with the repositioning of U.S. warships and aircraft in the region, signaling a readiness to respond if tensions escalate further.
What to Know About the F-16, F-22 and F-35
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a versatile, multirole fighter jet widely used by the U.S. and allied forces. Known for its agility and relatively low cost, the F-16 excels in both air-to-air combat and air-to-ground strikes. First introduced in the 1970s, it has undergone numerous upgrades and remains a core component of U.S. air power.
The F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II are fifth-generation stealth fighters designed for advanced combat operations. The F-22, optimized for air dominance, offers unmatched speed and maneuverability but is no longer in production. The F-35, with variants for the Air Force, Navy, and Marines, combines stealth, sensor fusion, and precision strike capabilities, making it a key asset for modern joint operations.
Middle East Deployments Ramping Up
U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey said British fighter aircraft recently announced for deployment to the Middle East have begun arriving in the region. Speaking at a defense conference in London, Healey emphasized that “force protection is now at its highest level” and described the move as essential to “protect our personnel, reassure our partners, and reinforce the urgent need for de-escalation.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced over the weekend that the U.K. would send additional military assets, including Typhoon jets and air-to-air refueling aircraft, in response to rising tensions. Healey did not disclose the specific locations of the aircraft deployments.
Reuters reported Monday that the U.S. is moving a significant number of tanker aircraft to Europe and deploying an aircraft carrier to the Middle East, expanding military options for President Donald Trump amid rising tensions in the region.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the deployments as defensive, aimed at protecting American forces from potential retaliation by Iran or its regional allies. On Tuesday, a fourth U.S. defense official told Reuters the Pentagon is also considering sending additional Navy warships capable of intercepting ballistic missiles to the Eastern Mediterranean.
The United States maintains a substantial military presence in the Middle East, with nearly 40,000 troops stationed across the region along with air defense systems, fighter jets, and warships capable of detecting and intercepting enemy missiles.
What People Are Saying
Trump told reporters Tuesday, “They [Iran] should have done the deal. I’m not too much in the mood to negotiate.” (Newsweek)