Pentagon Deploys B-52 Bombers to Middle East Amid Tensions Between Israel and Iran
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the arrival of B-52 bombers to the region as Israel prepares for a possible Iranian attack.
This follows an Israeli strike on Iranian missile production sites last week. The B-52 bombers arrived shortly after the U.S. announced it would send additional forces, including fighter jets, refueling planes, missile defense systems, and Navy destroyers, to the Middle East.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the deployments to protect Israel and to promote “through deterrence and diplomacy,” stated Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.
The B-52 Stratofortress, a long-range and versatile bomber, that plays a key role in U.S. military operations due to its ability to handle various missions over vast distances, according to the U.S. Air Force. Its name, ‘Stratofortress,’ signifies its strength and adaptability.
Initially, Iran responded cautiously to Israel’s airstrikes last week, showing reluctance to escalate the conflict. However, recent rhetoric from Iran has raised concerns about a potential new attack.
However, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned in a post on X on Saturday that the United States and Israel would face a “crushing response” for their actions against Iran and its allies.
Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated, “(Secretary Austin) continues to make clear that should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every measure necessary to defend our people.”
Ryder added that the THAAD system, along with the recent ship and jet deployments, demonstrate the U.S. military’s ability to “deploy worldwide on short notice to meet evolving national security threats.”
Along with the B-52s, the Pentagon deployed in October the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system and approximately 100 U.S. military personnel to operate it in Israel.