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Last Updated:February 20, 2026, 10:55 IST
The only step remaining is for President Donald Trump to give the final approval for the US military to launch an attack on Iran.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and US President Donald Trump. (File photos)
With the US poised to strike Iran at any moment, the military has amassed the largest concentration of air power in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. This includes a significant deployment of advanced F-35 and F-22 fighter jets, as well as support aircraft, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Additionally, a second aircraft carrier equipped with attack and electronic-warfare planes is en route to the region. Command-and-control aircraft, essential for coordinating extensive air operations, are also being deployed.
The only step remaining is for President Donald Trump to give the final approval for the US military to launch an attack on Iran. Reports indicate that Trump has not yet made a decision on whether to attack Iran or not.
US Military In Middle East
Flight-tracking data reveal that numerous US Air Force fighter jets and support aircraft have been relocated to Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan and Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, with additional planes en route.
According to a WSJ report, this includes F-35s, F-15s, F-16s, F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets, E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System, and E-11 Battlefield Airborne Communications Node aircraft.
Meanwhile, the US Navy has reportedly deployed 13 ships in the Middle East and the eastern Mediterranean Sea to support a potential operation.
Trump Sets Deadline
With Iran holding annual military drills with Russia on Thursday as a second American aircraft carrier drew closer to the Middle East, both the United States and Iran are signalling they are prepared for war if talks on Tehran’s nuclear program didn’t work out.
Meanwhile, Trump has warned Iran to come to terms with the US on the nuclear deal within 10 to 15 days or “it’s going to be unfortunate."
Interacting with the reporters, the US President said, “We’re either going to get a deal, or it’s going to be unfortunate for them… 10-15 days would be enough time."
Earlier, Trump at the Board of Peace repeated the same threats, “Now is the time for Iran to join us on a path that will complete what we’re doing. And if they join us, that’ll be great. If they don’t join us, that’ll be great, too. But it’ll be a very different path."
Iran Preparing To Hit Back
Meanwhile, Iran is keeping its options open, including a still-sizable missile arsenal that could be directed at US bases. Additionally, Tehran also has allies in the region and military forces that could try to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital sea lane for oil tankers.
Given the uncertainties, some former military officers believe that a diplomatic agreement could be preferable to war, the WSJ report said.
While the situation is tense, US and foreign officials are increasingly pessimistic that Iran will agree to the US’s demands. They believe that Tehran might only be willing to suspend its nuclear-enrichment activities for a short period – perhaps until Trump is out of office.
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United States of America (USA)
First Published:
February 20, 2026, 10:55 IST
News world F-35, F-22 Fighter Jets: US Builds Massive Air Firepower In Middle East, Iran Prepares
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