The current political thriller is putting our nerves on edge: the US Department of Defense has sent strategic long-range B-2 Spirit bombers to the Pacific region.

According to US media reports, the stealth aircraft took off from their home base in Missouri and flew beyond the US west coast – presumably to Andersen Air Force Base on Guam, a US territory. The Pentagon has confirmed the deployment but emphasises that no order to attack has yet been given.

The B-2 bombers are considered a key element of possible US air strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. They are capable of carrying the 13,600-kilogram GBU-57 “Massive Ordnance Penetrator” bunker-busting bomb – a conventional weapon that, according to arms experts, is currently the only bomb in the arsenal capable of seriously damaging deeply buried targets such as the Iranian nuclear facility in Fordo. This facility is located under a mountain range and is considered particularly difficult to destroy.

Political pressure – or a real emergency?

Even though there is no direct order to attack, the troop movement is seen as a tactical signal: According to insiders, US President Donald Trump is still considering US military involvement in Israeli air strikes against Iranian targets – possibly including Fordo. While Israel has already attacked several of Iran’s nuclear sites, Fordo has been spared so far – too well protected, too risky. The deployment of US bombers could change that.

Trump is demanding that Tehran completely back down on its nuclear program and, according to his own statements, has already approved plans for an attack. However, a final decision has not yet been made. The president recently stated that he would decide “within two weeks” whether the US would intervene militarily.

Massive US deployment underway

In addition to the B-2 bombers, the US military has already mobilized a large number of units: two aircraft carrier groups, tanker aircraft for air-to-air refueling, warships with ballistic missile interception capabilities, and F-22 fighter jets are now on standby. American forces have also been reinforced in Europe and the Middle East.

The B-2 bomber is the US’s only strategic stealth aircraft. It was originally developed for nuclear strikes during the Cold War, but has since been converted for use with conventional large bombs. Its ability to evade enemy air defense systems makes it the preferred weapon for targeted, deep first strikes.

While the Pentagon referred inquiries to the White House, the US government declined to comment on the deployment of the B-2. But the signals are clear: the US is massively increasing military and political pressure on Iran – whether as a deterrent or in direct preparation for an attack remains open.

Credits: APA