Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:48am on 19 Feb 2026,Thursday International
The United States has significantly bolstered its military presence in the Middle East by deploying advanced fighter jets including F‑22 Raptors, F‑35 Lightning aircraft, F‑16s and support planes, alongside two aircraft carrier strike groups amid escalating tensions with Iran. This build‑up — the largest concentration of US air power in the region since 2003 — comes as Washington engages in indirect nuclear talks with Tehran while signalling readiness for possible military action if negotiations falter. Dozens of aircraft and naval assets are now positioned across bases in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and surrounding waters as Iran closely watches the unfolding scenario. (PC: Moneycontrol)
