US Deploys Over 50 Jets To West Asia Amid Tensions; Iran's Khamenei Warns Against Military Buildup

Last Updated:February 18, 2026, 08:01 IST

The US has deployed over 50 fighter jets to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran, even as indirect nuclear talks continue in Geneva.

The United States has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East, deploying dozens of fighter jets to the region amid rising tensions with Iran and ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva.

The developments come alongside strong warnings from Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and fresh military activity near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

The Jerusalem Post cited Axios and a US official and reported that the United States military has moved more than 50 fighter jets to the Middle East within the past 24 hours as part of a broader buildup of air and naval assets near Iran.

Independent flight trackers reportedly observed several advanced aircraft, including F-16, F-22 and F-35 fighter jets, heading toward the region.

The reported deployment forms part of Washington’s expanding military posture as tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security continue to escalate.

The reinforcement of air power comes alongside increased naval movements, signalling heightened preparedness while diplomatic talks continue.

KHAMENEI WARNS US AGAINST MILITARY THREATS

As the military buildup unfolded, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning directed at US President Donald Trump during a speech in Tehran.

Responding to repeated American assertions of military superiority, Khamenei said, “The US President keeps saying that they have the strongest military force in the world. The strongest military force in the world may at times be struck so hard that it cannot get up again."

Referring to the growing US naval presence in the region, he added, “The Americans constantly say that they’ve sent a warship toward Iran. Of course, a warship is a dangerous piece of military hardware. However, more dangerous than that warship is the weapon that can send that warship to the bottom of the sea."

Khamenei also rejected longstanding US pressure on Iran, saying Washington had failed to eliminate the Islamic Republic despite decades of confrontation, adding, “You, too, will not be able to do this."

STRAIT OF HORMUZ DRILLS ADD TO TENSIONS

Meanwhile, Iran announced the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz for live-fire military drills, marking a rare and significant escalation.

Iranian state media said missiles were fired toward the waterway during exercises conducted for “safety and maritime concerns."

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global shipping route through which roughly 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply passes.

While Iran has previously conducted drills in the area, announcing a closure represented an unusually strong signal amid rising tensions.

Iranian officials warned that any attack on the country would have consequences extending beyond its borders, underscoring the broader regional risks tied to the standoff.

DIPLOMATIC TALKS CONTINUE AMID MILITARY SIGNALING

Despite escalating rhetoric and military activity, indirect talks between Washington and Tehran resumed in Geneva.

According to reports cited by ANI and the Associated Press, US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are leading the American delegation, with Oman acting as mediator.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi struck a more conciliatory tone, saying “a new window has opened" for negotiations and expressing hope for a “sustainable and negotiated solution."

US Vice President JD Vance, speaking after the talks, said discussions went well “in some ways," though major differences remain over key conditions set by Washington.

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