The US Air Force is deploying fifth-generation F-35A fighter jets to Europe amid recent tensions with Iran, with the deployment location currently unknown, The War Zone portal reported, citing open-source data.
These fighter jets, previously deployed to Puerto Rico for a US operation in Venezuela, now land at Lajes Air Base in Portugal, the portal reported on Thursday, reposing a video of their landing available on social media. Some time ago, US F/A-18G fighter jets also flew out towards Spain, the report said.
The F-35A played a key role in suppressing Iranian air defence during the US attack in June 2025, The War Zone added.
Protests erupted in Iran in late December 2025 amid concerns about rising inflation triggered by the weakening of the local currency, the Iranian rial. In several cities, protests turned into clashes with police as demonstrators shouted slogans critical of the government.
There have been reports of casualties among security forces and protesters.
US President Donald Trump said last Wednesday that a “massive armada” is heading to Iran quickly and with great power. The president warned that if no agreement is reached, any future US strike on Iran would be “far worse” than previous actions.
Trump also previously declared support for protesters in Iran and threatened strikes. Tehran condemned these statements as a threat to Iran’s sovereignty.
