The Israel Defense Forces has not acknowledged losing any aircraft in the opening strikes of its Operation Rising Lion, which involved more than 200 aircraft that dropped a significant number of munitions, setting back Tehran’s nuclear program and killing several high-ranking military officials and atomic scientists.

Combat missions against Iran are the most challenging that an F-35 has flown, showcasing the jet's capabilities, an airpower expert said.

The US military is deploying more fighter aircraft to the Middle East and extending the deployment of other warplanes, three US officials said.