Over 60 US fighter jets deployed to Jordan amid rising tensions with Iran

Satellite imagery and flight tracking data reveal a significant U.S. military buildup at Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, with more than 60 fighter jets—including F-35 stealth aircraft—now stationed at the facility. This represents roughly three times the normal number of aircraft at the base.

The new images, captured on February 20, also show multiple cargo planes, drones, and helicopters, with at least 68 cargo flights having landed at the base since February 15, Caliber.Az reports via the New York Times. 

Some jets are reportedly parked under shelters, indicating further capacity expansion. Soldiers have installed additional air defences to protect the base against potential Iranian missile threats.

Latest satellite image of massive USAF build up of F-35 Stealth Jets & F-16 at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.

More jets are parked under shelters at the base.

Tough time for Iran ahead.... pic.twitter.com/8GeC9Ipz0d

— Vivek Singh (@VivekSi85847001) February 21, 2026

Jordanian officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasised that the deployment is part of a defence agreement with the United States. They stressed that the buildup is intended to support defensive planning, not offensive action from Jordanian soil, and expressed hope that ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations will avert conflict.

The escalation comes as President Donald Trump signaled the possibility of a limited strike to pressure Iran over its nuclear programme. Regional partners, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, have publicly supported diplomatic efforts and stated they would not permit attacks on Iran from their territories.

By Sabina Mammadli