The United States has mobilised a massive display of airpower and strategic military assets toward the Middle East, signaling possible preparations for extended operations near Iran. Elite F-22 Raptors have departed Virginia, joining F-16 fighter jets advancing from multiple bases across Europe and the US. These movements coincide with the deployment of high-altitude U-2 reconnaissance aircraft and E-3 Sentry AWACS planes to the UK, enhancing airborne surveillance and providing critical intelligence support.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Tuesday that a U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone in the Arabian Sea. The engagement occurred approximately 500 miles from the southern coast of Iran as the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) approached the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).