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By John Feng and Amira El-Fekki
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Scrutiny is mounting over a potential U.S. role in the Israel-Iran conflict. After denying involvement in Israel's first strikes on strategic sites across Iran, the U.S. has adopted a tougher tone towards Tehran and has bolstered military deployment in the Middle East.
Commenting on the deployments, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said they aimed to enhancing the United States defensive postures in the region.
Below is a full list that Newsweek has been able to assemble of U.S. naval and aerial military assets in or heading to the region, according to officials, multiple open-intelligence analysts, tracking data, media and defense outlets.
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Fighter Aircraft
The U.S. military is increasing its air power in the Middle East with the deployment of more F-16s, F-22s and F-35 fighter jets and extending current warplane missions, three U.S. officials told Reuters.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a highly adaptable fighter aircraft used extensively by the United States and its allies. The F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II represent a newer generation of stealth combat aircraft developed for complex operational needs.
Tanker Aircraft
U.S. aerial refueling aircraft are on their way to the Middle East as the war between Israel and Iran escalates, according to flight data tracking sources. These would be needed for any sustained operations over Iran.
This includes KC-135R Stratotankers, the U.S. Air Force's primary aerial refueling aircraft. It also includes KC-46A Pegasus tankers, the next-generation aerial refueling tanker.
U.S. officials said the tankers may join a NATO exercise in Europe. The State Department told diplomats to assure hosts the tankers are not backing Israeli air operations in Iran.
Bombers at Diego Garcia
The United States has been building up its bomber force at the Indian Ocean island base of Diego Garcia. These could be used in any strikes on Iran's nuclear sites with bunker buster munitions that Israel does not possess.
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Satellite images analysed by Newsweek have shown increasing deployments in recent weeks.
B-2 Spirit stealth bombers can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons, including bunker-busting bombs designed to target deep underground facilities. B-52H Stratofortress Bombers, known for their long-range strike capabilities.
Warfare Support Vessels
U.S. Navy vessels have departed the key Manama port in Bahrain, according to satellite imagery, currently underway in the U.S. Central Command area of operations.
Vessels in the region include littoral combat ships, fast, agile, and networked surface vessels designed for operations close to shore and mine countermeasure vessels, to neutralize mines using advanced sonar systems.
There is also the M/V Ocean Trader, a special operations mothership supporting U.S. forces.
Carrier Groups
Aircraft carrier strike groups provide mobile firepower when required in their own right and support of other operational units. One carrier group is currently in the Middle East and another is on the way.
The USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group has recently been operating in the Arabian Sea with an air wing consisting of F-35C Lightning IIs, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, CMV-22 Ospreys and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks.
It took part in weeks of air strikes against the Yemeni-based Houthis, an Iranian-backed militia, before a ceasefire was reached early last month.
The USS Nimitz carrier group is now in transit from the Western Pacific toward the Middle East and was recently in Southeast Asia. Its airwing includes F/A-18C/E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Hawkeyes, C-2A Greyhounds and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks.
Missile Defenses
Patriot missile defense units were moved in April by the U.S. military from the Pacific region to the Middle East. The full battalion of air‑defense gear—flew in 73 C‑17 cargo plane trips.
The Patriot system is widely regarded as a leading ground-based air defense platform, known for its ability to intercept advanced threats, including certain types of hypersonic missiles.
"Doomsday Plane"
The U.S. Air Force "Doomsday Plane," a wartime command and control aircraft for the president, flew over the United States on Tuesday and remained trackable throughout, per Flightradar24 data.
The move signals a show of force rather than direct operation in the Middle East.
The E-4B "Nightwatch," a militarized Boeing 747, serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and key command link for the President, Defense Secretary, and Joint Chiefs.
In a national emergency or loss of ground command, it ensures survivable control to direct forces, execute war orders, and coordinate civil response. It was used during the September 11, 2001 attacks.
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