Washington [US], July 20: The United States is deploying additional fighter aircraft to the Middle East as the conflict with Iran escalates, US media reported on Sunday.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the deployment includes F-16 fighter jets from the US air base at Spangdahlem in western Germany, as well as F-35s from RAF Lakenheath, a British air base used by the US military. Air refuelling aircraft are also being sent to the region, the newspaper said.
The New York Times, citing US officials, also reported the deployments. According to the newspaper, the decision had been made before two US soldiers were killed by Iranian fire on a base in Jordan on Friday.
The move is likely to be seen as a sign that Washington is preparing for a possible expansion of its military operations against Iran.
A ceasefire agreed in mid-June has collapsed, with fighting erupting this month.
Source: Qatar Tribune
