The United States has moved about a dozen F-22 fighter jets to Qatar as a reaction to the "growing threat of US forces in the region from Iran," the Associated Press reported.
According to the agency, the fighters were transferred to CENTCOM's Operational Responsibility Area, which mainly includes the Middle East and Central Asia region.
On May 5, US Assistant Secretary of State for National Security John Bolton said the United States would send a naval assault group led by the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and a group of tactical bombers to the CENTCOM area as a signal to the Iranian authorities. It was later announced that the Patriot battery and the USS Arlington military ship would join this group.
The Pentagon said the move was "a response to evidence of Iran's increased willingness to carry out offensive operations against US forces and US interests."
Washington has said it is not seeking a conflict with Iran, but is ready to protect US forces and interests in the region.
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