JERUSALEM

At least 12 US F-22 fighter jets landed at an Israeli air base on Tuesday amid escalating tensions with Iran, Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported.

“Twelve US F-22 fighter jets landed this afternoon at one of the Israeli Air Force bases in the south of the country, as part of the American deployment in the Middle East,” KAN said.

It added that the aircraft are among the most advanced fighter jets in the world, possessed only by the US, and are tasked, among other missions, with “penetrating enemy territory and disabling air defense systems and radar installations.”

The US has increased its military presence in the Persian Gulf region amid threats by US President Donald Trump of military action against Tehran if current nuclear negotiations fail.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul.