U.S. Deploys Stealth F-22s to Israel as Iran Strike Window Narrows

Largest American military buildup in the region in over 20 years as high-stakes nuclear talks loom

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The United States has deployed stealth F-22 fighter jets to Israel as part of a major military buildup in the region, with high-stakes nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. The arrival of the advanced Raptors, which the U.S. has never sold to any foreign military, underscores the seriousness of Washington's posture as tensions with Tehran escalate.

Why it matters

The deployment of the F-22s and other U.S. air and naval assets to the region signals the potential for a military confrontation with Iran if the nuclear talks fail to produce a breakthrough. This comes at a critical juncture as both sides prepare for what officials have described as a make-or-break round of negotiations.

The details

More than 150 American aircraft, including refueling tankers, cargo planes, fighter jets, and airborne early warning platforms, have repositioned to bases across the region in recent days. Two additional U.S. military refueling aircraft also landed in Israel on Tuesday, bringing the total to four. At sea, the USS Gerald R. Ford has transited near Crete en route to the eastern Mediterranean, where it is expected to operate alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln.

  • The U.S. deployed the stealth F-22 fighter jets to Israel on Tuesday.
  • High-stakes nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran are scheduled for Thursday in Geneva.
  • Last week, President Trump said he was giving Iran '10 to 15 days' to reach an agreement, warning that failure to do so would bring serious consequences.
  • On Monday, Trump pushed back on reports suggesting senior military officials had cautioned against action, insisting that if military force is ordered, it could be 'easily won.'

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has warned Iran that it has a limited time to reach a nuclear agreement or face serious consequences.

Abbas Araghchi

The Iranian Foreign Minister who said 'a deal is within reach, but only if diplomacy is given priority.'

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The Supreme Leader of Iran who reportedly approved a draft counterproposal from Iran ahead of the Thursday talks.

Marco Rubio

The U.S. Secretary of State who briefed the bipartisan 'Gang of Eight' on potential U.S. options ahead of the State of the Union address.

John Ratcliffe

The Director of the Central Intelligence Agency who also briefed the 'Gang of Eight' on potential U.S. options.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A deal is within reach, but only if diplomacy is given priority.”

— Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister (Breitbart)

“Iran chants 'death to America.' So you tell me if that's a threat.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (Breitbart)

“If Iran makes perhaps the most serious mistake in its history and attacks Israel, it would face a force they cannot even imagine.”

— Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel (Breitbart)

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 military buildup and the looming nuclear talks underscore the high stakes and potential for conflict between the U.S. and Iran. The deployment of advanced stealth fighters to Israel, coupled with the positioning of U.S. naval and air assets in the region, signals Washington's determination to maintain pressure on Tehran and its willingness to use force if diplomacy fails.