US deploys squadron of F-15E fighter jets to Middle East

A group of American fighter jets has arrived in the Middle East after Washington announced the deployment of additional assets to the region in a warning to Iran.

“Today, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles from the 492nd Fighter Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, England, arrive in the U.S. Central Command [CENTCOM] area of responsibility,” the CENTCOM said in a post on X, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media. 

The United States announced on November 1 that it was sending bombers, fighter and tanker aircraft and ballistic missile defence destroyers to the Middle East.

"Should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every measure necessary to defend our people," Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder said in a statement on the deployment.

On October 26, Israel launched strikes against Iran, hitting military infrastructure while steering clear of critical nuclear and oil sites, and the country's supreme leader has vowed that Tehran will retaliate for Israeli attacks.

Iran has carried out two major attacks against Israel in 2024 -- one in April after a strike on its consulate in Damascus that was blamed on Israel, and another in October that Tehran said was in response to the assassination of leaders of armed groups it backs in the Middle East.

By Khagan Isayev