US strengthens military presence in Middle East - Reasons
Photo: USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, US Navy (wikipedia.org)
The United States is preparing for potential armed clashes in the Middle East in the context of countering Iran's nuclear program, according to the US Department of Defense website and Reuters.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has increased the military aircraft presence for operations in the Middle East region.
According to anonymous sources cited by Reuters, six B-2 Spirit bombers were relocated last week to the US-British military base on Diego Garcia Island in the Indian Ocean.
Experts believe that these stealth-equipped bombers, capable of carrying the heaviest American bombs and nuclear weapons, are ideal for operations in the Middle East.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that if Iran or its proxies were to threaten U.S. personnel and interests in the region, the United States would take decisive action to protect its people.
US Strategic Command has declined to provide details on how many B-2 bombers have arrived at Diego Garcia and has not commented on exercises or operations involving these aircraft.
Although the B-2 bombers have been used for strikes on hidden Houthi targets in Yemen, many experts believe that using such a stealthy aircraft for these purposes is excessive, as the targets are not buried that deeply.
At the same time, the B-2 is capable of carrying the most powerful American bomb—the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, which weighs 30,000 pounds. Experts believe this weapon could be used to target Iran's nuclear program facilities.
The US Air Force has only 20 B-2 bombers, so they are typically used sparingly.
Additionally, US military forces will soon have two aircraft carriers on standby to perform tasks in the Middle East. After completing exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson will join the USS Harry S. Truman, which is already stationed in the region.
According to an anonymous official, the US military is also moving some air defense assets from Asia to the Middle East.
US-Iran escalation
Western countries accuse Iran of attempting to develop nuclear weapons secretly by enriching uranium to a high level of fissile purity. Tehran claims that its nuclear program is solely intended for civilian energy purposes and that its use of enriched uranium is justified for its civil nuclear energy program.
During his first term (2017-2021), President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 agreement between Iran and world powers, which imposed strict limitations on Tehran's disputed nuclear activities in exchange for easing sanctions.
Trump also reinstated wide-ranging American sanctions. Since then, Iran has significantly exceeded the uranium enrichment limits set by the deal.
In February, Trump plans to sign a new nuclear deal with Iran over the next two months. However, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has rejected the White House's proposal.
On Sunday, March 30, Trump threatened Iran with bombings and additional tariffs if Tehran does not enter into a new nuclear agreement.
According to media reports, Iran has prepared missiles in anticipation of a potential massive strike by the US and Israel.
