The US Central Command said two B-52s had flown in the region accompanied by military aircraft from countries including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Two B-52 bombers flew into the Mideast on Sunday, the region's latest target to warn Iran of tensions between Washington and Tehran. The US Central Command said two B-52s had flown in the region accompanied by military aircraft from countries including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. It has marked the fourth bombing of the Middle East this year and the second under President Joe Biden.
Flight tracking data showed that two B-52s had left Minot Air Base in North Dakota, something Central Command did not say in its statement on the aircraft although authorities later published photos of the flight crew preparing to leave. The military did not specifically mention Iran in its statement, saying the plane would prevent violence and reassure partners and allies of the US military's commitment to security in the region.
However, such flights were common in the last months of the administration of former President Donald Trump. Trump’s 2018 decision to unilaterally withdraw from Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers sparked a series of growing incidents in the region.
Biden expressed a desire to return to the agreement if Iran complies with the terms of the treaty in its nuclear program. However, tensions remain high after Iraq forces - which may be backed by Iran - continue to target US interests.
Last month Biden launched an airstrike across the border into Syria in retaliation, joining every US president from Ronald Reagan onwards who ordered bombings in the Middle East.
The Brief. Sign up to receive the top stories you need to know right now.