F-22 Raptors, F-35 Fighters and B-2 Bombers: The US Warplanes That Could Soon Attack Iran

Key Points – The Pentagon is deploying significant air and naval power to the Middle East as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate.

-This includes F-16, F-22, and F-35 fighter jets, as well as a large-scale relocation of approximately 30 KC-135 and KC-46 aerial refueling tankers to bases across Europe.

-While Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the deployments are to enhance the US “defensive posture,” President Trump’s aggressive rhetoric demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender” suggests an offensive strike is being considered.

-These air assets join the USS Nimitz and USS Carl Vinson carrier strike groups, which are also moving to the region.

Iran Time: The U.S. Military Aircraft Headed to the Middle East

The Pentagon is taking steps to ensure that, should U.S. President Donald Trump order strikes against Iran, its military will be fully equipped to engage with Iranian forces.

As the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier inches closer to the Middle East, reports suggest that the U.S. Air Force is in the process of deploying fighter jets to bases surrounding Iran.

Three U.S. officials claimed that the U.S. is in the process of deploying F-16s, F-22 Raptors, and F-35 Lightning IIs. Officially, the aircraft moved to the region are set to be used for defensive purposes, including intercepting drones and missiles.

On Monday, June 16, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that he had directed the “deployment of additional capabilities” to the Middle East, though stopped short of specifying what aircraft or military assets are on the way.

What’s Headed Iran’s Way

Reports suggest that the United States is not only sending a fleet of fighter jets, but also undergoing a sudden and large-scale relocation of refueling aircraft.

Between June 15 and 16, approximately 30 KC-135 and KC-46 tankers left bases in the United States and landed at airfields across Europe, including Ramstein (Germany), Morón and Rota (Spain), Aviano (Italy), Souda Bay (Greece), and Prestwick (UK). The tankers, which are essential for long-range fighter operations, have reportedly not moved since arriving. 

Unconfirmed reports have also suggested that 12 F-22s and F-35s are en route to the Gulf, supported by tankers. Photographs and radar tracking information also appear to confirm that three flights of four F-35s departed RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, escorted by KC-135s from Mildenhall and Morón.

A C-17 Globemaster III from Langley Air Force Base also reportedly landed at RAF Mildenhall, generating some speculation that it could support F-22 operations, given that Langley is home to the 1st and 192nd Fighter Wings, which operate three squadrons of F-22s.

Speaking to Reuters, another U.S. defense official said that the Navy might deploy additional warships with ballistic missile defense capabilities to the Eastern Mediterranean.

Conflicted U.S. Messaging

In a post shared on social media platform X, Hegseth sought to dispel fears that any weapons moved to the region would be used to strike Iran.

“Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region,” Hegseth said.

President Trump’s comments, however, make it clear that these deployments could also be used to direct attacks towards Iranian nuclear facilities. Answering a reporter’s question outside the White House on Wednesday, the president doubled down on his recent call for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”

“That means I’ve had it. I’ve had it. I give up. No more. Then, we go blow up all the nuclear stuff that’s all over the place there,” Trump said. 

The comments come as the USS Nimitz skips scheduled stops and heads straight to the Middle East as part of a previously planned deployment, and as the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group reportedly aims to reach Europe by next week.

About the Author:

Jack Buckby is a British author, counter-extremism researcher, and journalist based in New York. Reporting on the U.K., Europe, and the U.S., he works to analyze and understand left-wing and right-wing radicalization, and reports on Western governments’ approaches to the pressing issues of today. His books and research papers explore these themes and propose pragmatic solutions to our increasingly polarized society. His latest book is The Truth Teller: RFK Jr. and the Case for a Post-Partisan Presidency.

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