In a move that underscores the growing tension with Iran, the Trump administration has strategically positioned one of its most sophisticated military assets closer to Tehran. The deployment of eleven F-22 Raptor stealth fighters at Israel’s Ovda Air Base marks a significant milestone as it represents the first operational deployment of these formidable aircraft on Israeli soil, according to reports by Fox News.

This deployment is part of a larger U.S. military buildup in the region, a scale of mobilization that hasn’t been witnessed in recent years. The timing coincides with escalating concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its advancing missile capabilities. For U.S. policymakers, this action speaks volumes, indicating a shift in the military dynamics of the region.

Retired Lt. Gen. Joseph Guastella, who previously served as the deputy chief of staff for operations at U.S. Air Force headquarters, emphasized the strategic importance of the F-22 fighters. During a May 26 webinar hosted by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), he highlighted the aircraft’s unparalleled air-to-air combat capabilities, stating, “The F-22 is indeed the most air-to-air capable fighter in the world; nothing comes close to it in the air-to-air role.” He described their presence as a potent deterrent, reinforcing the U.S.’s negotiating position through strength.

The F-22’s design allows it to achieve and maintain air superiority, capable of operating in heavily defended airspaces while neutralizing enemy air defenses. This capability is crucial in any potential military action against Iran, as it would clear the skies for bombers or strike aircraft targeting fortified nuclear or missile sites. Former military leaders reiterated this mission’s critical nature during the webinar discussion.

An image of an F-22 Raptor, provided by Lockheed Martin, showcases the aircraft’s sleek design and advanced features. (Lockheed Martin via Getty Images)

Designed to establish and maintain air superiority, the F-22 can operate in heavily defended airspace and suppress enemy air defenses. In any potential strike scenario against Iran, that capability would be critical. Before bombers or strike aircraft can reach hardened nuclear or missile targets, someone has to clear the skies. That is the F-22’s core mission, former generals explained in the webinar.

Guastella underscored what forward positioning means in practical terms. “The advantage of the large force that’s there is that it can hold almost any target in Iran at risk … if that’s what the president wants to do,” he said.

Retired Lt. Gen. Charles Moore, former deputy commander of U.S. Cyber Command, said in the webinar that the deployment is about expanding presidential options rather than signaling a predetermined strike.

Two U.S. F-22 Raptor fighters fly over European airspace during a flight to Britain from Mihail Kogalniceanu air base in Romania April 25, 2016. (Reuters)

“There is a lot of combat capability that’s been moved into the region … the more capability, the more assets we put, the more options that the President has. We don’t box him in,” Moore said.

He added that the posture allows the United States “to be prepared for a long-term type of deployment and sustainment of combat capability if that’s what the President decides he wants us to do.”

Trump signaled Friday that diplomacy remains his preference but did not rule out force. Speaking to reporters as he departed the White House for a trip to Texas, he said he was not happy with Iran and wants to make a deal with Tehran, but warned that “sometimes you have to” use military force. He added that Iran remains unwilling to forswear nuclear weapons as demanded by the United States.

The choice of Israel as the deployment site also matters. Unlike some Gulf bases, where operational restrictions can apply, Israel offers fewer political constraints, they explained. That gives U.S. planners additional freedom of action in a fast-moving crisis.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jet climbs after taking off from the former Roosevelt Roads naval base in Puerto Rico, Jan. 4, 2026.  (Ricardo Arduengo/Reuters)

JINSA’s fellow for American Strategy, Jonathan Ruhe, said the move follows a JINSA recommendation to expand U.S. basing options in Israel, outlined in a report the organization published last fall.

That report argued that forward basing in Israel would enhance U.S. flexibility and deterrence in the region. The organization has for months pushed the idea that Israel could function as a land-based platform for American airpower in the Middle East.

Former Israeli Air Force commander Maj. Gen. (ret.) Amikam Norkin said deploying such high-end aircraft to the region is not routine and framed the move as both operational and strategic. “It presents the American commitment to Israeli security once you are landing with your best airplane in Israel,” he said, adding that regional actors “understand the very strong commitment of the American government, American military, American President, to the national security of Israel.”

At the same time, he rejected the idea that the deployment represents a shift toward American “boots on the ground” in Israel.

“Well, it’s not the first time that America is on the ground. As you remember the 12-Day War, the American Air Defense System supported us. So it’s already been done,” Norkin said.

Map shows where the U.S. is building up military forces near Iran. (Fox News )

More broadly, he emphasized that Iran is not solely an Israeli problem. “The Iranian threat, it’s not just an Israeli threat, it’s a regional threat, and the American forces support the region, not just Israel.”

Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command briefed President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday on potential military options targeting Iran, a source familiar with the meeting confirmed to Fox News. The president’s top military adviser, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, also attended the briefing.

For now, officials describe the move as part of preparedness rather than a prelude to immediate conflict. But the arrival of America’s premier air-dominance fighter on Israeli soil signals a new phase in U.S.-Israel military coordination and a clear message to Tehran: If the president chooses to strike, the tools are already in place.

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