US deploys B-52 bombers to Middle East amid growing tensions with Iran

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, the US has bolstered its military presence with strategic deployments aimed at deterring Iranian aggression and supporting regional allies. 

As the conflict in the Middle East continues, six US Air Force Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers have recently been deployed to the region as part of efforts to deter Iran and its allies. This marks the first time since 2019 that B-52s have been stationed at a regional base. The bombers, along with an additional squadron of F-15E Strike Eagles and more Flight Refueling Aircraft (FRA), will remain in the area over the coming months, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

US officials explained that this increase in airpower is intended to fill the gap left by the impending departure of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and to bridge the time until the USS Harry S. Truman arrives. The absence of a US aircraft carrier in the region will be felt, as military commanders have long argued that the presence of an aircraft carrier strike group, with its complement of fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, and warships, serves as a powerful deterrent — particularly against Iran.

In response to the B-52 deployment, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei criticized the move, calling it a “destabilising presence” in the region.

“We have always believed that the presence of America in the region is a destabilising presence,” Baghaei said. 

He also emphasised that it would not "deter (Iran's) resolve to defend itself." To fill the gap left by the departing USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, the US has moved several Navy destroyers into the region. These destroyers, which are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, are being sourced either from the Indo-Pacific or Europe.

US cruisers and destroyers had previously played a crucial role in defending Israel from Iranian ballistic missiles in April and October. In response to ongoing threats, the US deployed a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence system to Israel last month, along with nearly 100 US troops to operate it. In late October, another squadron of USAF F-16s from Germany was dispatched to the Middle East, and earlier in the month, KC-46 Pegasus tankers were deployed to CENTCOM, which oversees operations across the Middle East, Central Asia, Egypt, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Furthermore, more missile defense-capable destroyers are being moved into the region.

Over 2,000 Marines are also stationed in the eastern Mediterranean as part of an Amphibious Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU), led by the USS Wasp amphibious assault ship. Should Iran or its proxies target American personnel or interests in the region, US officials have made it clear that they will take all necessary actions to defend themselves and Israel. Senior Iranian leaders have issued threats of retaliation, particularly following Israel’s October 26 airstrikes on Iranian air defences and missile production sites.

By Naila Huseynova