Israeli fighter jets train with US bomber in joint drill, likely targeting Iran

The Israel Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) conducted a joint exercise this week that saw Israeli F-35i and F-15i fighter jets flying alongside a U.S. B-52 strategic bomber. 

According to the IDF, “The exercise aimed to strengthen and maintain the long-standing cooperation between the forces while expanding connectivity and building integrated capabilities for a range of scenarios.” 

During the flight, the IAF and USAF conducted operational coordination drills to strengthen their ability to respond to various regional threats.

While the IDF announcement did not explicitly mention Iran, the joint exercise is widely believed to be directed at the Islamic Republic.

CENTCOM Conducts Bomber Task Force Mission

On March 4, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted a Bomber Task Force Mission in the Middle East, strengthening partner interoperability and demonstrating force projection capabilities in the region. It was the third BTF mission in… pic.twitter.com/AIEh8Fyqgx

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 6, 2025

Even though the IAF carried out two strikes on Iran last year without U.S. assistance, it would likely need the capabilities of the B-52 to effectively target Iran’s heavily fortified underground nuclear sites. 

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated his preference for a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear threat, although he has also reiterated that Iran must not have a nuclear weapon. 

Last month, Trump signed a memo calling for “maximum pressure” against Iran. 

During the presidential campaign in 2024, he criticized former President Joe Biden for his unwillingness to support an Israeli strike on the nuclear facilities. 

The USAF carried out two force projection demonstrations in the past few weeks. The first involved two B-52s based in the United Kingdom, which flew over several countries in U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility.

The second demonstration in February also involved a pair of B-52s, along with fighter jets from the joint RAF Fairford air base in the UK. Those operations were intended to demonstrate the USAF's ability to protect interests in Europe. 

The most recent exercise with the IAF appeared to send a similar message to Iran and its regional proxies, demonstrating that the United States is prepared to take action if necessary. 

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week, reaffirming the close ties between the two nations. 

“The Secretary also conveyed that he anticipates close coordination in addressing the threats posed by Iran and pursuing opportunities for a stable region,” State Department Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said following the conversation. 

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, affirming that the U.S. remains “100% committed” to Israel’s security. 

“Both leaders agreed that Iran remains a threat to regional security and agreed to work together on this challenge,” Pentagon Press Secretary John Ullyot said, following the call between Hegseth and Katz. 

Elbridge Colby, who was nominated by Trump as the undersecretary of Defense for Policy, was asked about the Iranian nuclear threat during his confirmation hearing in the Senate on Tuesday.

In the past, Colby stated, “The only thing worse than the prospect of an Iran armed with nuclear weapons would be consequences of using force to try to stop them.”

However, in response to questioning by Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Colby stated, “I believe we should not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. If confirmed, I would believe it’s my responsibility to provide credible, good military options.”