India, Feb. 26 -- The United States has deployed advanced F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets to Israel for the first time, marking a major escalation in its military posture as tensions with Iran intensify, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

The combat aircraft, now operating from Israeli air bases, are intended to help defend Israeli territory and protect American forces in the region from potential Iranian retaliation.

"Operating aircraft from Israeli bases is a first," Dennis Ross, a former senior US official, told the publication.

The move comes as Washington has already assembled a significant fleet of warships and aircraft across the Middle East amid growing expectations of a possible conflict with Tehran.

Why the U...