US Deploys B-1 Bombers Against Iran as Middle East Tensions Escalate
The United States military has officially deployed B-1 Lancer strategic bombers to strike targets belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The deployment marks the first use of the long-range bomber in the current 12-day conflict and signals a sharp escalation in US military operations against Iran.
CENTCOM confirmed it had struck Iranian military command centres, maritime capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, and military logistics infrastructure, though it did not explicitly confirm the B-1’s role. The supersonic bomber, capable of carrying up to 24 2,000-pound bombs or dozens of cruise missiles, has previously been used in Operation Epic Fury to destroy Iranian missile bases, command centres, and air defence systems.
The bomber deployment coincides with a continued US military build-up in the Gulf region. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a larger-scale military operation against Iran in the coming days. Tensions further intensified after Trump threatened to target strategic Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants in Tehran, if Iran continues to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran retaliated with threats to destroy infrastructure in Washington’s Gulf allies. On the same day, Houthi forces in Yemen attacked Saudi Arabian vessels for the first time since announcing a maritime blockade of Saudi ports. US defence officials suspect Iran encouraged the Houthi assault to open a new front in the Red Sea and pressure global oil distribution routes. Commercial ships have begun avoiding the Bab el-Mandeb strait as a result.
Despite the escalation, Qatar is maintaining intensive diplomatic communications with the US, Iran, and Oman in an effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt the conflict. However, Iran has yet to accept the latest mediation proposal. President Trump, speaking in Georgia, stated that Iran is not yet ready to make a deal but insisted they will be forced back to the negotiating table.