A significant increase in United States military aircraft at Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti Air Base has been observed. This buildup, involving over 60 aircraft including advanced F-35 stealth jets, has drawn attention as a potential precursor to military action against Iran. The deployment represents a substantial change in the base's normal operations and comes amid ongoing discussions by US leadership regarding options to pressure Iran.
Timeline of Events
Mid-January 2026: The deployment of US aircraft to Muwaffaq Salti Air Base began, with initial reports noting a concentration of F-15E and F-35A jets.
January 12, 2026: A new air defense coordination cell, MEAD-CDOC, was established at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
January 20, 2026: The US Central Command (CENTCOM) publicly acknowledged the deployment of F-15E aircraft.
Recent Days: Satellite imagery and flight tracking data confirm the presence of over 60 US military aircraft at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. This includes a significant number of F-35 stealth jets and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft.
Key Actors
United States Military: Responsible for the deployment of aircraft and the establishment of the airpower buildup.
Jordan: The host nation for Muwaffaq Salti Air Base.
Iran: The perceived target of the US military buildup and potential military action.
President Donald Trump: Has publicly stated he is considering military options to pressure Iran regarding its nuclear program.
Concentration of Airpower at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan has become a focal point for US military activity. Satellite images and flight tracking data indicate that the base now hosts more than 60 US military aircraft, a notable increase from its usual number.
Aircraft Types: The deployed aircraft include advanced models such as F-35A stealth fighters, F-15E Strike Eagles, and A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft.
Increased Capacity: This buildup has transformed the base from a counter-ISIS logistics hub into a platform designed for high-intensity operations.
Strategic Location: Jordan's proximity to Iran positions Muwaffaq Salti Air Base as a critical site for planning and executing potential strikes.
US Motivations and Strategic Considerations
The extensive airpower deployment is widely interpreted as a signal of escalating tensions and a preparation for potential military action against Iran.
Deterrence Posture: The US aims to bolster its deterrence posture near Iran's western frontier.
Pressure on Iran: President Trump has indicated a desire to pressure Iran into agreeing on a nuclear deal, suggesting military action as a possible tool.
Shifting Retaliation Focus: One analysis suggests that using Jordan as a primary base might aim to divert early Iranian retaliation away from Israeli forces and towards Western and Israeli assets in less populated areas.
Capabilities and Potential Operations
The mix of aircraft deployed to Jordan suggests a capability for complex military operations.
Read More: US Space Force Opens New Command in Arizona on January 22, 2026 to Watch Western Hemisphere Space
Layered Defense and Offense: The F-15E Strike Eagles, F-35A stealth fighters, and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs create a combined force capable of various missions.
Stealth and Precision: F-35A jets offer stealth capabilities for penetration, while F-15Es are designed for precision bombardment.
Close Air Support: A-10s are well-suited for providing close air support to ground forces.
Air Defense Suppression: Aircraft like the F-22 Raptor, while not explicitly confirmed at Jordan, are noted for their ability to destroy enemy air defenses.
Regional Implications and Iranian Response
The US military buildup is occurring within a tense regional environment.
Intensifying Tensions: The deployment is seen as a calibrated escalation amid already heightened Middle East tensions.
Iranian Stance: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Iran will not bow to pressure from world powers amidst nuclear talks.
Potential for Miscalculation: Some assessments suggest that the US strategy risks strategic miscalculation and overreach, assuming Iran will confine hostilities to specific areas.
Expert Analysis
Calibrated Escalation: The concentration of advanced US airpower at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base is described as a "calibrated escalation in U.S. force posture."
Contested-State Scenarios: The base's transformation indicates anticipation of "contested-state conflict scenarios," moving beyond purely counterterrorism operations.
Integrated Battlespace: The combination of aircraft creates a composite air wing capable of executing multiple roles within an "integrated battlespace."
Conclusion
The significant influx of US military aircraft, including advanced fighter jets, into Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti Air Base marks a notable shift in the regional military landscape. This buildup is occurring in parallel with public statements from US leadership regarding potential military options against Iran, suggesting a deliberate increase in pressure. The strategic positioning of these assets, coupled with the diverse capabilities they represent, indicates a preparedness for a range of military actions. The situation remains dynamic, with regional implications and potential responses from Iran being key factors to monitor.
Sources
Defence Security Asia: Published 4 days ago. Details the types and numbers of aircraft deployed, emphasizing a "layered deterrent architecture."🔗 Link: https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/us-f35-f15e-a10-deployment-jordan-muwaffaq-salti-air-base-iran-tensions-2026/
1lurer.am: Published 16 hours ago. Cites The New York Times report on satellite imagery and flight tracking data showing over 60 aircraft at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, noting the presence of modern jets like F-35s.🔗 Link: https://www.1lurer.am/en/2026/02/21/Amid-tensions-with-Iran-US-has-deployed-more-than-60-military-aircraft-to-Jordan-s-Muwafaq-Salt-Air/1467426
The Sun: Published 16 hours ago. Reports over 60 US military jets landing at a key base in Jordan, presented as a sign of President Trump preparing to strike Iran. Mentions F-35 stealth jets and air defense systems.🔗 Link: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/38294070/trump-strike-iran-60-us-military-jets/
The War Zone (TWZ): Published 3 days ago. Discusses a broader wave of American airpower heading to the Middle East to bolster forces, referencing past operations involving Iranian nuclear facilities.🔗 Link: https://www.twz.com/news-features/final-pieces-moving-into-place-for-potential-attack-on-iran
Middle East Forum (MEF): Published January 28, 2026. Identifies Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti Air Base as a "critical node" in the current buildup and mentions CENTCOM's acknowledgment of F-15E deployment.🔗 Link: https://www.meforum.org/mef-reports/americas-military-buildup-around-iran-what-we-know-and-what-it-means
Alethonews: Published January 24, 2026. Explores the reasons for using Jordan as a main base for a possible Iran attack, including diverting retaliation and exploiting airpower.🔗 Link: https://alethonews.com/2026/01/23/why-is-the-us-using-jordan-as-the-main-base-in-possible-iran-attack/
Memeorandum (Aggregator): Published 15 hours ago. Lists multiple news outlets reporting on "U.S. Planes Land at Jordan Base, a Key Hub for Planning Possible Iran Strikes," but the linked articles primarily focus on US tariff rulings, not the military deployment itself. Due to the disconnect, this source is not used for factual claims.
