The Pentagon has confirmed that it deployed a pair of strategic bombers over the Middle East on Tuesday, accompanied with fighter jet escorts as well as refueling aircraft, in order “to demonstrate force projection capabilities in the region.”
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that “live munitions drops at ranges in several partner nations” were part of the mission, making it a rare ‘live-fire’ exercise and warning to regional enemies.
CENTCOM Conducts Bomber Task Force Mission in Middle EastU.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted a Bomber Task Force Mission in the Middle East, Feb. 17, to demonstrate force projection capabilities in the region.Two B-52s from RAF Fairford, U.K., flew across Europe and… pic.twitter.com/MEepc9hGiI
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 18, 2025
CENTCOM further described that this shows the US “ability to respond to any state or non-state actor seeking to broaden or escalate conflict.”
Tehran will no doubt see this as a threat aimed at the Islamic Republic, given Trump’s recent words saying the Iranians should negotiate a new deal to end their nuclear program, or else potentially face American bombs. The Houthis could also come under attack, given they are threatening to start up Red Sea shipping attacks if the Gaza ceasefire collapses.
