US Air Force F-35A jets have been redeploying across the Atlantic after operating out of Puerto Rico, with their final destination not publicly confirmed, and indications suggest they may be headed toward the Middle East amid a broader US military buildup in the region. The movements come as tensions with Iran continue and follow recent deployments of other US aircraft and naval forces to the area, reports Howard Altman of The War Zone. The Vermont Air National Guard and US Central Command have not disclosed specific plans, but the redeployments align with heightened strategic activity and readiness efforts. Altman writes:
The pace of U.S. military aircraft movements to the Middle East is picking up. The flights, which potentially include F-35A stealth fighters, come amid a growing buildup of U.S. forces in the region. Washington and Tehran continue to trade threats ahead of a potential attack on or from Iran. […]
“They should not pursue nuclear capabilities. We will be prepared to deliver whatever this president expects of the War Department,” Hegseth said. […]
Trump is now considering options that “include U.S. military airstrikes aimed at Iran’s leaders and the security officials believed to be responsible for the killings, as well as strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and government institutions,” CNN reported, citing sources. […]
The same F-35s involved in the U.S. mission to capture Venezuelan President Maduro arrived in Lajes on their way to the Middle East this evening.
The fifth-generation fighters will bring additional capabilities as the U.S. prepares options to strike Iran. https://t.co/BwAwqDzJ1Z pic.twitter.com/8MslGBp1w7
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) January 29, 2026
“The Trump administration is hosting senior defense and intelligence officials from Israel and Saudi Arabia for talks on Iran this week as President Trump considers military strikes,” Axios reported, citing two U.S. officials and two other sources with knowledge. “The Saudis have been passing messages in recent days between the U.S. and Iran in an effort to de-escalate the situation.”
This follows decisions by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates not to allow the U.S. to use their bases or airspace for any attack on Iran. You can read more about the implications of that in our story here. […]
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