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A new satellite image showed the U.S. has sent two additional U.S. B-52 bombers to its Diego Garcia airbase in the Indian Ocean, underscoring Washington's growing long-range strike capability near Iran as tensions persist despite another round of nuclear talks.
Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and Iran's Foreign Ministry for comment.
Why It Matters
The images show the significant U.S. expansion of its military presence at the strategic airbase in the Indian Ocean, amid rising tensions with Tehran over its nuclear ambitions. That increases suspicions that the United States could be preparing for an attack on Iran if diplomacy fails.
While President Donald Trump has expressed a preference for a peaceful resolution to the nuclear standoff with Iran, he has also warned that military action remains on the table. Iran has meanwhile threatened U.S. targets in the region in the event of any attack.
What To Know
Two more B-52 bombers are now stationed at Diego Garcia, based on a satellite image shared by open-source intelligence researcher MT Anderson on X, one day after he spotted the first two aircraft of the same type.
This brings the number of bomber aircraft at the base to 10, including four B-52 bombers, based on satellite imagery and six B-2 stealth bombers, according to Reuters.
The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range bomber capable of carrying nuclear and precision-guided weapons, as well as wide-area maritime surveillance. It was known for its key role in the 1991 Desert Storm Operation against Iraq, according to the U.S. Air Force's website.
B-2 stealth bombers and C-17 transport planes were also sent to the remote Indian Ocean base in March, after the U.S. launched an air campaign against Yemen's Houthi forces, which ended on Tuesday after a truce.
Trump has said Iran cannot be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. Tehran has said its nuclear efforts are civilian, not military, but has warned it "will have no choice" but to pursue nuclear weapons if it comes under attack.
Iran has threatened to "open the gates of hell" if attacked by the United States or Israel.
What People Are Saying
U.S. President Donald Trump said in April: "I think if the talks are not successful with Iran, Iran is going to be in great danger.
Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said: "If war is initiated by the U.S. or Israel, Iran will strike their interests, bases and forces wherever they are and whenever necessary."
U.S. Air Force: "In a conventional conflict, the B-52 can perform strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations."
What Happens Next
A new round of nuclear talks is expected in Oman at the weekend and these could help determine whether there is still an opportunity for a diplomatic solution.
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About the writer
John Feng is Newsweek's contributing editor for Asia based in Taichung, Taiwan. His focus is on East Asian politics. He ... Read more