US Bombers on High Alert for Middle East Operations As Trump Adds Escalation Options

The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. military is heavily reinforcing the Middle East with fighter jets, missiles, and medical personnel as U.S. President Donald Trump considers expanding the war with Iran.

Citing multiple sources, the newspaper reported on the 22nd (local time) that special operations forces previously stationed at bases in the U.S. mainland have moved to the Middle East over the past week, and fighter squadrons have been forward-deployed to various locations across the region.

The U.S. has reportedly deployed F-16 fighter jets from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, F-35 fighter jets from RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, and refueling aircraft to the Middle East.

These assets are widely expected to be stationed in Jordan and Israel.

Bombers at bases in the U.S. and the U.K. are maintaining a high state of readiness in preparation for expanded operations.

Additionally, more than 150 medical personnel have been recently deployed to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.

This hospital is a key medical facility treating U.S. service members wounded in the Middle East region.

This force buildup comes after a U.S. base in Jordan was recently attacked by Iran, resulting in the deaths of three U.S. service members, followed by the death of another U.S. soldier who was working to dispose of an unexploded Iranian drone in Iraq.

President Trump has previously warned that "every time Iran kills an American, they will pay a multiple of that price."

Retired Gen. Joseph Votel, a former commander of U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, explained, "A force buildup does not necessarily lead to a large-scale military operation. The key is to provide the president and the secretary of defense with maximum flexibility and a wide range of options."

The U.S. military is continuing its airstrikes for the 12th day against Iran, which has been attacking vessels while claiming control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has also been striking U.S. bases in the Middle East, continuing a vicious cycle of retaliation.

(Photo provided by U.S. Central Command, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.