Why is the US withdrawing F-22 stealth fighter jets from Israel amid renewed tensions with Iran?

The United States has withdrawn its fleet of F-22 stealth fighter jets from an Israeli airbase, even as tensions with Iran have intensified again despite a fragile ceasefire. The move comes as the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) appears to be under strain, with both sides exchanging attacks and counter-attacks over the past 48 hours.

F-22 stealth fighters leave Israel

According to a report by the Times of Israel, at least 10 US Air Force F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets stationed at the Israeli Air Force's Ovda Airbase in southern Israel departed on Friday. The aircraft reportedly stopped at RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom before continuing their journey back to the United States.

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Videos circulating on social media showed the fighter jets landing at the British airbase.

The F-22 Raptor is regarded as one of the world's most advanced air-superiority fighters, known for its stealth technology, speed, manoeuvrability and air-to-air combat capabilities.

The aircraft had been deployed to Israel ahead of the recent conflict with Iran.

Withdrawal not seen as reduction in US military capability

While the departure marks the end of the fighter jets' forward deployment in Israel, it does not necessarily indicate a reduction in the US military's ability to quickly reinforce the Middle East if the security situation deteriorates.

The redeployment comes at a time when diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran have shown little progress.

Trump warns Iran over assassination threats

The withdrawal coincided with fresh warnings from US President Donald Trump, who issued a strong message to Iran on Friday.

Claiming that Iranian-backed elements had threatened his life, Trump said the United States was prepared to respond with overwhelming force if any assassination attempt against him were carried out.

"1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, with thousands of more to immediately follow, should the Iranian Government act on its threat... to assassinate, or attempt to assassinate, the sitting President of the United States of America," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

His remarks came after reports suggested Israeli intelligence had uncovered an alleged Iranian plot targeting the US president.

The developments underscore renewed uncertainty in the region, with military posturing and sharp rhetoric continuing despite efforts to preserve the ceasefire between the United States and Iran.