US stages largest Mideast buildup since Iraq invasion as Israel prepares for Iran war

2026-02-19 - 11:52

The United States has executed its most significant military buildup in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, dispatching dozens of combat aircraft and naval vessels to regional bases throughout February. Satellite-confirmed deployments include 48 F-16s, 14 F-22s, 18 F-35As, six E-3G AWACS radar aircraft, and 40 tanker aircraft, alongside the USS Lincoln carrier strike group, multiple destroyers, cruisers, and attack submarines positioned near the Strait of Hormuz. Israeli War Preparations and Diplomatic Strain Israeli news outlet Ynet reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has placed the military on high alert, with preparations shifting from limited support roles to potential all-out war against Iran. The escalation follows concerns that Tehran would retaliate against Israel should the US strike Iranian targets. While Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi previously reported progress in nuclear negotiations, a US diplomatic source told Al Jazeera that patience with Iranian delays "may run out faster than Tehran estimates," suggesting Washington views recent Iranian moves as stalling tactics. Türkiye's Firm Opposition to Military Action President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has clearly articulated Türkiye's position against any military intervention in Iran: "As Türkiye, we have conveyed to all our interlocutors that we oppose any military intervention against Iran. We will continue to explain that such military escalation will plunge our region into greater uncertainty." Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned of the risks, stating that Israel is attempting to persuade the US to attack Iran, but stressed that air strikes would not topple the regime. "The important thing for us is to move away from the threat of war while moving toward concrete results," Fidan emphasized. Ankara continues mediation efforts with both Tehran and Washington, positioning itself as a diplomatic actor working to prevent regional conflagration while maintaining its principled stance against military solutions.