The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Friday that American F-16 fighter jets have been deployed to the Middle East. This deployment comes as tensions escalate with Iran and serves as a display of the U.S.’s “ironclad” commitment to Israel’s security.
CENTCOM did not disclose the exact number of F-16s sent to the “area of responsibility,” but stated that they originated from the 480th Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany.
When asked by reporters if this move indicated Israel’s preparation for a retaliatory strike against Iran for the 180-missile attack earlier this month, White House National Security Council communications director John Kirby declined to provide details.
“Our commitment to Israel’s security remains ironclad,” he stated. “And that means, as appropriate, making force posture changes that we think need to be made to help Israel defend itself.”
The U.S. has been strengthening its regional defenses for months and has played a crucial role in protecting Israel from two significant missile attacks. The first incident occurred in April, involving approximately 300 missiles and drones fired at Israel, followed by the second attack earlier this month.
According to a report on Friday, the U.S. has also assured Saudi Arabia that it will defend the kingdom if it faces an attack from Iran or its proxy forces.
This promise reportedly offers some comfort to the U.S. ally, as many Gulf states remain on high alert due to concerns about a regional war.
The international community has been closely watching Israel’s conflict with Iranian proxy forces, Hamas and Hezbollah, as the U.S. and other regional partners strive to de-escalate the situation and prevent a full-scale war between Israel and Iran—both of which possess nuclear capabilities.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was in the Middle East this week before traveling to London on Thursday, met with United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday to discuss efforts to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held captive by Hamas for over a year.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Blinken and his UAE counterpart also discussed “the post-conflict period” and what a “vision for governance, security and reconstruction that establishes lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike” could look like.
While the Biden administration maintains its support for a two-state solution, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long rejected this idea, which is favored by many in the international community.
The conflict in Gaza wasn’t the sole topic of discussion with the key regional ally. The pair also addressed Israel’s operations in Lebanon aimed at eliminating the threat posed by Hezbollah.
“The Secretary underscored the importance of a diplomatic solution that fully implements United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701,” Miller said, without elaborating on how the U.S. and its allies plan to neutralize Hezbollah, which has become deeply ingrained in the daily lives of many Lebanese.
While Blinken also spoke with Lebanese Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Friday, their conversation seemed to focus on the humanitarian impact of Israel’s operations, including the rising number of civilian casualties.
“He emphasized Iran and Hezbollah must not stand in the way of Lebanon’s security and stability,” Miller said in a statement. “He also expressed support for the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon and underscored that the safety and security of their personnel is essential.”
“They discussed Lebanon’s presidential vacancy and the need to empower leadership that reflects the will of the people,” he added. Blinken also met with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.