- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Mountain Home Today
By the People, for the People
U.S. Deploys F-35 Fighters to Middle East Amid Iran Nuclear Talks
Trump administration weighs possible strikes on Iran as tensions escalate.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets were observed flying toward the Middle East on February 11, 2026, the latest step in the U.S. military buildup in the region as the Trump administration weighs possible strikes on Iran. The F-35s, from the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, were accompanied by KC-135 Stratotankers and are headed to the Middle East amid ongoing nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran.
Why it matters
The deployment of F-35s to the Middle East signals rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as the Trump administration has threatened to strike Iranian targets if a deal is not reached to constrain the country's nuclear program. The presence of advanced stealth fighters in the region raises the possibility of U.S. military action against Iran.
The details
The F-35s that departed RAF Lakenheath in the U.K. on February 11 are the same ones that had arrived there on February 9 from the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing. The fighters used the callsign 'Tabor 41' through 'Tabor 46' and were accompanied by three KC-135 Stratotankers from RAF Mildenhall. At least one of the F-35s had its identifying information painted over before departure. The U.S. has also deployed additional air power to the region in recent weeks, including F-15E Strike Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs.
- On February 9, the F-35s arrived at RAF Lakenheath in the U.K.
- On February 11, the F-35s departed RAF Lakenheath toward the Middle East.
The players
U.S. Air Force
The U.S. military branch that operates the F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets being deployed to the Middle East.
Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing
The unit that owns the F-35A fighters being deployed from RAF Lakenheath to the Middle East.
Donald Trump
The President of the United States who has threatened to strike Iran if a deal is not reached to constrain the country's nuclear program.
Iran
The country engaged in nuclear talks with the U.S. and facing the possibility of U.S. military action if a deal is not reached.
Benjamin Netanyahu
The Prime Minister of Israel who is meeting with President Trump to discuss the Iran nuclear talks.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This deployment of F-35s to the Middle East highlights the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, raising the possibility of military action if a deal is not reached on Iran's nuclear program. The situation will be closely watched as the Trump administration continues negotiations with Iran and consults with allies like Israel.
