According to a report by The Times Of Israel on February 19, 2026, the United States is amassing its most extensive air power presence in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, as detailed by the Wall Street Journal.
The surge in military assets comes amid rising tensions with Iran, where President Donald Trump is considering a possible strike following Tehran’s lethal suppression of anti‑regime protests last month. Although the U.S. and Iran have been engaged in indirect discussions over Tehran’s nuclear program, U.S. officials have indicated that the negotiations have not produced significant results.
As part of the buildup, dozens of advanced aircraft, including F‑16s, F‑22s and F‑35s, are being moved into the region, alongside major naval assets such as multiple aircraft carriers. This deployment reportedly allows for sustained military operations and represents a significantly larger force posture than the limited use of B‑2 bombers during the Israel‑Iran war last June.
The concentration of U.S. air and naval power suggests preparations for a campaign far beyond short‑term strikes, with senior U.S. officials still deliberating on whether to proceed and, if so, what strategic objectives to pursue. While diplomacy continues alongside military positioning, the significant buildup of capabilities underlines the seriousness of Washington’s considerations…..See More
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