Tensions between the United States and Iran continue to rise over nuclear issues, with U.S. President Donald Trump warning of possible military action if Iran does not agree to a nuclear deal.
At the same time, U.S. forces have been carrying out continuous attacks on Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Amid this situation, the United States has deployed advanced nuclear-capable B-2 bombers at a military base on Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean, strategically located close to both Iran and Yemen.
According to a Reuters report on Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) confirmed the deployment. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has approved the decision to strengthen U.S. naval and air forces in the Middle East region.
Although the Pentagon’s official statement did not specify the type of aircraft, U.S. officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed that at least four B-2 bombers had been moved to the U.S.-British military base on Diego Garcia. Experts believe this base is within an effective striking distance of both Yemen and Iran.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated, “The U.S. and its allies remain committed to regional security under CENTCOM and are prepared to respond to any actions that could escalate conflicts in the region.”
He further emphasized, “Secretary Hegseth has made it clear that if Iran or its proxies threaten U.S. forces and interests in the region, the United States will take decisive action to protect its people.”
Strategic Importance of B-2 Bombers
The B-2 bombers are among the most advanced nuclear-capable aircraft in the U.S. Air Force. With only 20 such aircraft in its fleet, the U.S. rarely deploys them unless absolutely necessary. Last year, the Biden administration used these bombers during operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
CENTCOM (United States Central Command) oversees U.S. military operations across Northeast Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Central and South Asia.
This latest deployment signals a further escalation in tensions as the U.S. strengthens its military presence in the region.