WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. military is deploying more fighter aircraft to the Middle East and extending the deployment of other warplanes, bolstering U.S. military forces in the region as the war between Israel and Iran rages, three U.S. officials said. One of the officials said the deployments include F-16, F-22 and F-35 fighter aircraft.

A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces called reports Iran had downed multiple Israeli fighter jets "Fake News."

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