US Deploying F-16s and F-35s to Middle East as Iran War Heats Back Up

July 17, 2026 | By Chris Gordon

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As the U.S. war with Iran intensifies, the Pentagon is rushing more warplanes to the region, deploying additional Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-35 Lightning II fighters to the Middle East, people familiar with the matter told Air & Space Forces Magazine.

Among the warplanes being sent are F-16s from the 480th Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and F-35s from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, U.K.

https://www.airandspaceforces.com/us-deploying-f-16-f-35-middle-east-iran-war/

The balance of power is shifting. And what does China do? It simply sits still and waits.

The balance of power is shifting. The US and Israel are acting, while China is mostly watching, waiting, and strengthening its position without firing a shot. Every war costs someone, but not always the one pulling the trigger. History shows that great powers often lose strength by overextending themselves, while their rivals quietly gain influence. The real question is not what happens today, but who comes out stronger ten years from now.

Edited 11 hours ago11 hr by Hummin

1 hour ago, Hummin said:

The US and Israel are acting, while China is mostly watching, waiting, and strengthening its position without firing a shot

many analysts would disagree with you. get out of your america hate bubble.

https://www.aei.org/foreign-and-defense-policy/how-long-has-chinas-economy-been-this-weak/

https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2026/7/17/as-chinese-economy-slows-experts-say-there-will-be-problems-for-beijing

2 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

many analysts would disagree with you. get out of your america hate bubble.

https://www.aei.org/foreign-and-defense-policy/how-long-has-chinas-economy-been-this-weak/

https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2026/7/17/as-chinese-economy-slows-experts-say-there-will-be-problems-for-beijing

When you manage to reply without your standard phrases, I might discuss this with you. In the meantime, learn some basic manners.

17 minutes ago, Hummin said:

When you manage to reply without your standard phrases, I might discuss this with you. In the meantime, learn some basic manners.

got it. your assumptions are shown to be false due to your bias, so you lash out. carry on, america hating china shill.