“Trump moves closer to a major war with Iran”?

On February 16, the United States transferred another eighteen fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, F-35A Lightning II, to the Middle East to strengthen its air groups, the Itamilradar portal reports.

These aircraft departed from RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom and were refueled in the air by KC-135 Stratotanker tanker planes, after which they headed to U.S. bases in the Middle East as part of a large-scale aviation deployment. Experts note that this is one of the largest simultaneous transfers of U.S. combat aircraft to the region in recent times, and its scale indicates a significant increase in the military potential of the United States amid rising tensions in relations with Iran.

This deployment complements the F-35A fighters already stationed there: taking previous deliveries into account, the U.S. air group in the region includes about 30 such fighters, and the overall combat aviation fleet, including F-15E and A-10 aircraft, reaches approximately 66 units. In addition, extra aircraft carriers and ships have been sent to the region, as well as other types of combat aircraft, including F-22 and F-16, with the result that over the past day the total number of fighters transferred to the Middle East has exceeded 50.

Such a buildup of forces is taking place in parallel with another round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran in Geneva regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. Analysts believe these steps demonstrate Washington’s readiness to strengthen its military presence in the region and raise the level of preparedness of its forces amid the complex and multifaceted situation with Iran and its potential impact on security in the Persian Gulf, even though officially Washington emphasizes its commitment to diplomatic solutions.

Against this background, the market reacts instantly: oil prices are moving upward, because any strengthening of the military presence in the Persian Gulf automatically increases fears of supply disruptions.

International media are already publishing alarming headlines and forecasts, including claims that the U.S. administration is allegedly moving closer to a major conflict with Iran.

English-language outlets are releasing materials suggesting that a possible military operation against Iran could be large-scale and prolonged, resembling a full-fledged war rather than pinpoint strikes, as was the case in operations in other parts of the world.

Such publications use sharp wording like “The U.S. is closer to a major war with Iran than most Americans realize,” and discuss a potential scenario in which hostilities could begin in the near future.

Despite these headlines, U.S. officials emphasize that diplomatic negotiations are ongoing, and any military activity is viewed in the context of ensuring security and protecting the interests of the United States and its allies, rather than as an inevitable step toward a full-scale war.