US Deploys F-35s to Middle East Amid Escalating Tensions with Iran

The United States has deployed fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, as well as F-16 fighter jets, from Europe to the Middle East amid an escalation in conflict with Iran, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. The F-16s were dispatched from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, while the F-35s were relocated from RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, the newspaper reported. Tanker aircraft were also deployed to the region. On the night before 18 June, Tehran and Washington signed a memorandum aimed at ending the conflict that began on 28 February. However, since 8 July, the US military has conducted several strikes against Iran. US Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed the strikes were in retaliation for Iranian actions against commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s military responded by attacking US bases in several Middle Eastern countries. Tehran also accused Washington of violating the ceasefire memorandum. On 9 July, US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire was no longer in effect.