US Deploys Largest Air Force to Middle East Since Iraq War Ahead of Potential Iran Strike

The United States is quietly assembling its most formidable military posture in the Middle East in more than two decades, deploying advanced fighter jets and additional naval assets to the region. The buildup includes F-22 and F-35 fighter aircraft, a second aircraft carrier, and command post aircraft, significantly strengthening Washington’s operational capabilities.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the expanded military presence could allow Washington to conduct sustained operations against Iran for several weeks if required. US officials said the deployment represents the largest concentration of American air power in the region since the 2003 Iraq invasion, reflecting heightened tensions and preparations for potential military action.

A separate report by CBS News said top national security officials have informed Donald Trump that the US military could be ready to launch strikes on Iran as early as Saturday, though the timeline could extend beyond the weekend. Trump has not yet authorized any operation, according to unnamed officials, while Iran reportedly dominated discussions in the White House Situation Room on Wednesday. All US forces assigned to the region are expected to be in position by mid-March.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon has temporarily repositioned some US personnel out of the Middle East—primarily to Europe or back to the United States—to reduce exposure ahead of potential operations or possible Iranian retaliation. Officials described the move as standard pre-action protocol.

The military buildup comes as the United States maintains a strong naval presence in the region, with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group already deployed and another group led by the USS Gerald R. Ford en route. Tehran has warned it would retaliate in the event of an attack, with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei cautioning that while deploying aircraft carriers represents a show of force, destroying them would demonstrate military capability, underscoring rising tensions across the region.