US F-22 warplanes land in Israel amid tensions with Iran

American F-22 stealth fighter jets were deployed at an Israeli Air Force base on Tuesday, as part of the United States’s massive buildup of military forces in the Middle East. The fifth-generation aircraft were seen in video footage departing Britain earlier in the day en route to Israel. A total of 12 F-22s were seen taking off from Royal Air Force Lakenheath in England. The official said the Israeli military has been preparing for all scenarios, including a possible "Iranian attack or retaliatory strike."

First 3 of 12 F-22 Raptors departing RAF Lakenheath pic.twitter.com/qo7E0Ffu8O

— Glenn (@TallGlenn85) February 24, 2026

Negotiations between the two countries over the Iranian nuclear program are ongoing, and the sides are due to meet on Thursday in Geneva. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reportedly gotten the green light for a counterproposal to submit to the American negotiating team. But US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened that he will attack Iran if those talks fail. Iran has vowed to strike Israel and US targets in the region in response. The F-22, operated exclusively by the US Air Force, is the world’s most advanced air-superiority fighter, built for unmatched speed, maneuverability, and stealth in air-to-air combat.
On Tuesday, Iranian officials stressed their commitment to diplomacy. In a series of social media posts, Foreign Minister Araghchi said that “a deal is within reach, but only if diplomacy is given a priority.”