US Sends F-15 Fighter Jets to Middle East as Iran Threatens Attack

In a significant show of support, the United States has deployed a squadron of F-15 fighter jets to the Middle East, signaling a powerful message to Iran amid rising tensions in the region. The deployment, announced on Thursday, places these advanced aircraft in the US Central Command’s area of responsibility, reinforcing the American presence as Israel braces for a potential Iranian attack.

The F-15E Strike Eagles, arriving from the 492nd Fighter Squadron based at RAF Lakenheath in England, join an arsenal that includes B-52 bombers, refueling tankers, Navy destroyers, and advanced air-defense systems like the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense). These resources, sent under the direction of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, are intended to boost the Middle East’s air defense capabilities and to complement Israel’s robust anti-missile systems.

This reinforcement comes as Israeli intelligence suggests that an Iranian offensive could be launched imminently, possibly from Iraq. According to sources, Iran maintains extensive militia networks in Iraq, considered part of its “Axis of Resistance” against Israel. The United States has warned Iraq of a likely Israeli retaliation if Iran proceeds with an attack from Iraqi territory. However, Iraq’s military officials dismissed these reports as “false pretexts,” denying any preparation for aggression against Israel.

Iran has vowed to retaliate for recent Israeli airstrikes that targeted Iranian air defenses and missile facilities. Israel conducted these strikes in response to an Iranian missile barrage on October 1, which forced widespread civilian sheltering and resulted in the death of a Palestinian man in the West Bank. The regional situation has grown increasingly complex, with Israel’s strategic operations also taking out key leaders of Iran-aligned groups, including Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah and Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, in recent weeks.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed these developments on Iranian state television, praising the resilience of Iran’s allies. “The leaders of the resistance are still fighting,” he said, adding, “God willing, the world will see a day when the Zionist regime will be defeated by them.”

This tense moment follows Iran’s unprecedented direct attacks on Israel, including a massive strike of 200 ballistic missiles in October and a similar offensive in April. These confrontations have marked a shift from the long-standing, low-profile conflict between the two nations to an increasingly open and dangerous escalation.

As the situation continues to unfold, the presence of American forces in the region sends a clear message of deterrence and demonstrates the US commitment to Israel’s security. For Israel, these developments underscore the importance of preparing for all contingencies in a complex and volatile region.

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