Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:06pm on 26 Feb 2026,Thursday International
The United States has deployed F-22 Raptor stealth jets to Israel for the first time, amid escalating tensions with Iran over its nuclear programme. Around a dozen aircraft departed from RAF Lakenheath in England, with flight tracking data and plane spotters confirming movements over the Mediterranean. US officials confirmed some jets had already arrived in Israel while others were en route. The deployment adds to an already significant American military buildup in the Middle East, including two aircraft carrier strike groups and over 60 fighter jets stationed in Jordan. The jets arrived two days before US-Iran nuclear negotiations resumed in Geneva, Switzerland, with Oman mediating. Further technical discussions are expected next week in Vienna. (PC: Reuters)
