US Launches Airpower Exercise in Middle East Amid Heightened Iran Tensions

The announcement of the airpower readiness exercise comes days after President Donald Trump said a large U.S. force is moving closer to Iran.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron lands at a base in the Middle East, Jan. 18, 2026. U.S. Central Command via DVIDS

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced a multi-day airpower readiness exercise in the Middle East at a time of heightened tensions with Iran.

In a Jan. 27 statement, CENTCOM said U.S. Air Force components will conduct the exercise to confirm “procedures for rapid movement of personnel and aircraft.”