US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that it is up to Iran to decide whether the recent deployment of American B-2 stealth bombers to a joint base in the Indian Ocean is intended as a warning, as diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program continue.
As many as six B-2 bombers were redeployed in March to a US-British military base on the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia, US officials informed Reuters, amidst a US bombing campaign in Yemen and escalating tensions with Iran.
There are only 20 B-2 bombers in the Air Force’s inventory, so they are typically used sparingly.
Experts suggest that the B-2s, which possess stealth technology and are capable of carrying the heaviest US bombs and nuclear weapons, are ideally positioned for operations in the Middle East.
When questioned if the B-2 deployment was meant as a message to Iran, Hegseth responded, “We’ll let them decide.”
“It’s a great asset … it sends a message to everybody,” he told reporters during a visit to Panama.
“President Trump’s been clear … Iran should not have a nuclear bomb,” he said. “We very much hope – the President is focused on doing that peacefully.”
On Monday, Trump made a surprise announcement that the United States and Iran were set to commence direct talks on Tehran’s nuclear program on Saturday. He cautioned that Iran would be in “great danger” if the talks were unsuccessful.
Iran, which had resisted Trump’s demands in recent weeks, indicated that indirect talks would take place in Oman, highlighting the divide between the two nations.
On Wednesday, Trump reiterated a threat to use military force if Iran refused to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
“I’m not asking for much … but they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump told reporters.
He declined to specify when any military action might commence.
Although B-2 bombers have been previously employed to strike Houthi targets in Yemen, many experts believe that deploying the stealth aircraft there is an excessive measure.
However, the B-2 is capable of carrying the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator – a weapon designed to destroy deeply buried targets. Experts believe this could be utilized to target Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Western powers accuse Iran of secretly attempting to develop nuclear weapons by enriching uranium to levels exceeding what is necessary for civilian energy purposes.
Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is solely for generating electricity and other peaceful applications.
