US Defense Secretary Austin Discusses Regional Developments with Israel
Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a statement on social media platform X, stated that he discussed the latest developments in the Middle East in detail in a phone conversation with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant. Austin emphasized that US Air Force F-22 fighter jets have arrived in the region, stating that these planes are a symbol of America’s determination to defend Israel and maintain the US military presence in the region.
Austin said, “The United States will continue to support Israel’s security,” and also stressed the importance of a ceasefire agreement to release prisoners in Gaza. Austin stressed that such agreements are critical to improving the humanitarian situation, and that negotiations between the parties on this issue should be accelerated.
The two leaders had previously discussed “threats to Israel from Iran” and recent developments in the Middle East in a telephone conversation. They reportedly agreed that the US attacks on the Ayn al-Assad Air Base in Iraq would increase tensions in the region.
Sending F-22 Fighter Jets to the Region
In a statement made by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), it was announced that F-22 fighter jets were deployed to the region due to the increasing tensions between Iran and Israel. The statement stated that the F-22 Raptor fighter jets reached the CENTCOM area of responsibility as part of the change in posture of US forces in the region “in order to reduce the possibility of regional escalation by Iran or its proxies.”
No details were given on how many F-22 fighter jets were sent to the region or to which country or countries they were deployed. However, the move is understood to be part of efforts to strengthen the US military presence in the Middle East and support its allies.
