The U.S. is shifting military aircraft and warships into and around the Middle East to protect Israel from Iranian attacks

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a versatile, multirole fighter jet widely used by the U.S. and allied forces. Known for its agility and relatively low cost, the F-16 excels in both air-to-air combat and air-to-ground strikes. First introduced in the 1970s, it has undergone numerous upgrades and remains a core component of U.S. air power.

For years, Israel contained its conflicts with Tehran, Hamas and Hezbollah. The broad assault on Iran highlights a shift in strategy.