Israel says it completed large-scale exercises with US military

Israeli paratroopers take part in a military exercise next to Palmachim Airbase near the town of Rishon Lezion, on September 6, 2022. GIL COHEN-MAGEN AFP JERUSALEM -- Israel said on Wednesday it completed large-scale exercises with the US Armed Forces that simulated strikes on the Iranian nuclear program.

The exercises simulated various scenarios in the face of emerging threats in the region, including the Iranian threat, Israel's outgoing prime minister Yair Lapid's office said in a statement.

The Israeli military said that the exercises began on Tuesday with joint flights of four Israeli F-35 i Adir stealth fighter jets that accompanied four US F-15 fighter jets through Israel's skies.

The Israeli Air Force also simulated an operational scenario and long-distance flights, according to the military.

Israel's intelligence directorate conducted an extensive simulation that replicated a campaign against distant countries, the statement said. The exercises tested Israel's abilities in gathering intelligence, researching targets and making intelligence available to the operational forces.

The military said these exercises are a key component of the two militaries' increasing strategic cooperation in response to shared concerns in the Middle East, particularly those posed by Iran.

Iran has yet to make a statement on the Israeli-US joint aerial exercises.

The exercises came amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.