JERUSALEM (VINnews) — The United States has deployed a squadron of advanced F-22 Raptor fighter jets to Israel as part of a wider military buildup across the Middle East, according to regional reports.

Roughly a dozen of the stealth aircraft — widely considered among the most sophisticated air-superiority fighters in the U.S. fleet — were positioned in Israel amid escalating concerns over Iran and its nuclear program. U.S. officials have not publicly outlined operational details but have framed recent force movements as part of a broader deterrence effort.

At sea, the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has moved through the eastern Mediterranean and is expected to operate alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln, strengthening the American naval presence in the region.

A squadron of 12 U.S. F-22 Raptors has officially landed in southern Israel after departing the UK. This marks a major escalation in regional airpower as the U.S. prepares for "potential offensive action" against Tehran’s regime. #IranRevolution2026 #LionandSunrevolution pic.twitter.com/V72pqDNjUy

— Faryar Firouzi (@faryarfirouzi) February 24, 2026

The deployments come at a time of heightened rhetoric between Washington and Tehran, as well as ongoing international debate over Iran’s nuclear activities.

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said his country remains open to negotiations and is prepared to pursue what he described as a fair agreement, while maintaining that Iran will not abandon civilian nuclear technology.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also emphasized diplomacy, warning that further instability in the region would have broad consequences.

The parallel military deployments and diplomatic messaging reflect a period of sharp tension coupled with renewed calls for talks.