The U.S. Department of Defense announced the deployment of additional air assets to the Middle East to support ongoing operations and strengthen regional defense, amid growing tensions with Iran and continued airstrikes in Yemen.
Though the Pentagon did not specify aircraft types, officials revealed that four B-2 stealth bombers have been stationed at the U.S.-British base on Diego Garcia, strategically located within striking range of both Yemen and Iran.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized the U.S. commitment to regional stability, stating that the U.S. and its allies are prepared to confront any entity attempting to escalate conflict in the CENTCOM region, which spans parts of the Middle East, Northeast Africa, and Central/South Asia.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated the warning that any threats from Iran or its proxies would be met with “decisive action.”
The B-2 bombers, known for their stealth and nuclear capabilities, are rarely used due to their limited number—just 20 in the U.S. Air Force fleet. These aircraft were also part of a previous U.S. campaign against the Houthi rebels in October 2024.