The Pentagon announced Monday that the US is sending additional fighter jets to the Middle East, including F-35s, to defend US interests and ensure the freedom of navigation.
The announcement is the latest in a string of posture reinforcements by Washington following an increase in Iranian and Russian activity that has threatened US troops in the region and commercial tankers in Gulf waters.
“Some [of the fighter jets] are en route,” the Pentagon’s deputy press secretary, Sabrina Singh, told reporters.
It’s just additional assets to help,” as Iran has recently increased its malign behavior in the region, Singh said. She added that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and senior US officials made the decision.
