The US is planning to send additional F-16 and F-35 fighter jets to the Middle East as tensions with Iran continue to escalate, according to a Monday CNN report citing a US official.
According to CNN, the fighter jets, as well as additional aerial refueling aircraft, will be relocated from bases in Europe
Pentagon officials struggle to convince lawmakers to increase military funding
CNN separately reported on Monday that key Pentagon officials are struggling to convince US House leaders from both the Republican and Democratic parties to greenlight increased funding for US military operations against Iran.
According to the report, the officials held a closed-door briefing earlier in the month to make the case for the urgent approval of additional funds.
According to two people present at the meeting, Pentagon officials were not able to provide specific reasons for the request when pressed.
Within the last week, CNN reported that the Pentagon again invited House members to a meeting that US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also attended.
Select House officials, including the head of its Appropriations Committee, were invited to another meeting on Wednesday to try to sell Republican members on approving funding.
Several Republican House Members told CNN that they have not been provided with enough information about the military’s needs to justify moving forward with the increased spending.
The Defense Department, however, told CNN that its engagement with lawmakers had been meaningful.