WATCH: US fighter jet in close call with Iranian missile

ABC News
March 27, 2026
4 min read

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Video shows a U.S. fighter jet narrowly evading an Iranian missile as Pentagon considers deploying 10,000 more troops.

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A U.S. fighter jet narrowly avoided being struck by an Iranian missile in newly released video footage, demonstrating the escalating military tensions between the two countries in the Middle East. The incident underscores the risks American pilots face during operations in the region, where Iran has repeatedly tested air defenses and demonstrated anti-aircraft capabilities. The near-miss occurs as the Pentagon considers a significant troop deployment, reportedly weighing whether to send 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East to reinforce existing operations and strengthen regional security posture. The timing suggests the U.S. military is preparing for sustained heightened tensions with Iran, which has periodically launched drone and missile attacks against American forces and allied targets in recent years. The video release puts public focus on the immediate dangers facing U.S. servicemembers and may factor into the Trump administration's decision on whether to proceed with the troop increase.

What's Being Done

The Pentagon is weighing sending 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East.

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