Over 300 US Military Aircraft Deployed to CENTCOM Ahead of Iran Talks

According to open-source intelligence, the bulk of the US military aircraft are stationed at Al-Udeid Air Base, Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, and Prince Sultan Air Base, supported by carrier air wings aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford.

Since January, approximately 270 logistics flights using C-17 and C-5 aircraft were conducted to assemble the force, alongside deployment of Patriot and THAAD missile defense systems. Strategic tankers, including KC-46 and KC-135 aircraft, continue to support operations in the region.

Composition of Deployed Forces

The US air assets comprise roughly 70% frontline fighters: 84 F-18E/F, 36 F-15E, 48 F-16 variants, and 42 F-35 jets. The remainder includes specialized support and offensive aircraft: 18 EA-18G electronic warfare planes, 12 A-10C close air support jets, 5 E-11A BACN aircraft, and 6 E-3 AWACS planes. No B-2 bombers involved in prior strikes have been observed moving.

Israel’s Air Power Reinforcement

Israeli air assets effectively double the combined US regional airpower with 66 F-15, 173 F-16, and 48 F-35 fighter jets. On Tuesday, Israel received 12 US F-22 Raptor jets, designed for deep strike missions and neutralizing enemy air defenses. An additional six F-22s departed from Langley Air Force Base en route to Israel via RAF Lakenheath.

White House Emphasizes Diplomacy First

A White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, stated that President Donald Trump prioritizes diplomacy but remains prepared to use military force if necessary. Leavitt cited the “overwhelmingly successful” Operation Midnight Hammer in June, which targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, while cautioning that the threat persists.

The deployment comes as the third round of indirect US–Iran nuclear negotiations, mediated by Oman, is set to begin in Geneva, with Iran expected to present a draft proposal.