US bolsters Middle East presence as tensions with Iran escalate
F-22 fighter jets from the US Air Force arrived in the Middle East on Thursday, according to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). According to media reports, on the same day, CENTCOM commander Gen. Michael Kurilla also arrived in Israel. In Israel, a security cabinet meeting was also held in the evening at an underground command centre.
F-22 mission in the Middle East
Central Command on the X platform said the F-22 jets were sent to the Middle East "to mitigate the possibility of regional escalation by Iran or its proxies." It was not disclosed in which Middle Eastern country the jets are stationed. The F-22 is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, and it is used exclusively by the US Air Force.
Visit to Israel
The U.S. general in charge of American forces in the Middle East arrived in the region on Saturday as preparations continue for a possible attack against Israel from Iran in retaliation for the assassinations of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders - reported Barak Ravid, a journalist for the Axios portal. This was the second visit by the American commander to Israel this week.
Israeli security cabinet meeting
Channel 12 television reported that the Israeli security cabinet convened on Thursday evening at an underground military command centre. The meeting aimed to practise procedures for emergency situations and was not prompted by an immediate threat.
Preparations for potential attacks
The last meeting of government members in this room took place on the night of 13-14 April, when Iran launched hundreds of rockets and drones towards Israel in response to an airstrike on Damascus. The airstrike resulted in the death of several high-ranking commanders of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
Expected retaliation
Currently, Israel expects further actions from Iran and its allies in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah military leader Fuad Shukr and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who died in an attack in Tehran.
The United States and other countries are trying to lower tensions, fearing uncontrolled escalation that could become a full-scale conflict.
US support for Israel
The US has pledged to assist Israel in defending against the announced retaliation by strengthening its forces in the region and renewing a defence coalition with the United Kingdom, France, and some Arab states. These efforts are coordinated by CENTCOM, whose headquarters are in Doha, the capital of Qatar.
