US sends more fighter jets to Middle East amid rising tensions

The United States is bolstering its military presence in the Middle East by deploying additional fighter jets to the region, media outlets reported, citing U.S. officials.

The deployment includes F-16 fighter jets from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany and F-35 fighter jets from RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, which is used by U.S. forces. The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times also reported that aircraft capable of mid-air refueling are being sent.

This decision was reportedly made even before Iran's shelling of a base in Jordan resulted in the deaths of two U.S. soldiers on Friday. The move is likely to be interpreted as a sign that Washington may be preparing to expand its military operations against Iran.

Fighting has intensified in recent weeks over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy supply route that remains largely closed. The U.S. has conducted daily and nightly strikes against targets in Iran over the past week, while Tehran has shelled U.S. allies and military installations across the region.