The United States is deploying B-2 stealth bombers to Guam, a Pacific island territory, according to two U.S. officials speaking to Reuters on Saturday. This move comes as President Trump considers potential U.S. involvement in Israeli strikes against Iran.
The connection between the bomber deployment and heightened tensions in the Middle East remains unclear.
The B-2 is capable of carrying the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a 30,000-pound bomb designed to destroy deeply buried targets. Experts suggest this weapon could be used against Iran’s nuclear program, including facilities like Fordow.
The officials, who requested anonymity, did not provide further details. One official stated that no orders to move the bombers beyond Guam had been issued. The number of B-2 bombers being deployed was also not disclosed.
The Pentagon has not yet responded to a request for comment on the matter.
Observers are closely monitoring whether the B-2 bombers will proceed to Diego Garcia, a US-British military base in the Indian Ocean. Diego Garcia’s location is considered strategically advantageous for operations in the Middle East.
B-2 bombers were stationed at Diego Garcia until last month, when they were replaced by B-52 bombers.
On Saturday, Israel reported killing a high-ranking Iranian commander during ongoing air strikes between the two sides, which have lasted for over a week. Iran has stated it will not negotiate on its nuclear program under duress.
Israel claims that Iran is close to developing nuclear weapons, while Iran maintains that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.
President Trump has indicated he needs up to two weeks to decide whether the U.S. will support Israel in the conflict, stating that this time will allow him “to see whether or not people come to their senses.”
Earlier this week, Reuters reported the movement of numerous tanker aircraft to Europe and the deployment of other military resources, including additional fighter jets, to the Middle East.
An aircraft carrier currently in the Indo-Pacific region is also reportedly en route to the Middle East.
