U.S. deploys F-22 fighters to Israel for first time amid Iran buildup

The US Air Force deployed twelve F-22 Raptor stealth fighters to Ovda Airbase in southern Israel, the first-ever F-22 deployment to Israeli soil. The move followed Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE refusing to permit US use of their bases or airspace for potential Iran strikes. Two carrier strike groups led by the USS Gerald R. Ford were simultaneously positioning in the Persian Gulf region.