This latest mission was “to demonstrate the continued commitment of the U.S. military to regional security and the prevention of aggression,” the Air Force said in a statement and comes amid concerns that Iran may trying to avenge the assassination of Tehran ‘s top military leader in a U.S. drone strike a little over a year ago.
The motion suggests no waiver in a U.S. blockade campaign as tensions remain high less than two weeks before President Joe Biden takes office.
The aircraft flew a 36-hour, non-stop mission from the 5th Bomb Wing home at Minot Air Force Base, ND, to the Arabian Gulf and back to send a clear obstruction message by demonstrating their capability wielding a terrifying fighting power in a short time. message, “the statement said.
“We continue to see a level of flatness over Iran’s defense systems, and we continue to show signs of progressive planning for potential invasion of Iraq, although it is not. It ‘s unclear whether and when they can move forward with any attack, “a defense official said of the.
There is widespread awareness that enemies could take advantage of the domestic unrest in the U.S. but so far there is no indication that there is an increased risk associated with the riots that took place at the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday.
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump instructed acting defense secretary Christopher Miller to reverse the course and order a U.S. air carrier to return to the Middle East after a meeting in the White House on Sunday , according to a senior defense officer.
This decision overturned Miller’s order last week to expel the USS Nimitz from the area and home, in part, to send a signal of devaluation to Iran amid the growing tension. rise between Washington and Tehran.
Authenticating Messages
Last week CNN reported that there have been controversial messages highlighting divisions within the Pentagon on the current level of threat from Iran.
The “Stratofortress” B-52H is a long-range, heavyweight bomber that can accomplish several missions. The bomber can fly at high speeds underground at altitudes reaching 50,000 feet. It has an unmanned combat range of more than 8,800 miles. The B-52H can carry a precise guided command with precision worldwide navigation.
The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Middle East in a demonstration of a ban involving nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to the region, announcing the movement of a nearby nuclear submarine Gulf of Persia and, on Sunday, Trump’s decision to extend the stay of the USS Nimitz in the region.
Last week, Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif accused the US of creating a war case. But Soleimani’s agent celebrated his death by promising that “those involved in this murder and crime will not be safe on earth. It sure is. ”
Speaking to a crowd gathered to watch the deadly anniversary, Gen. Esmail Ghaani called Trump a “stupid man” led by Israel and Saudi Arabia, and warned that “even from the inside of your own house, it is possible for revenge to emerge. for your crime. “
But Iran seemed to opt for a cautiously calibrated response instead, announcing it had increased uranium enrichment to levels seen before Trump’s 2015 nuclear deal reversed and captured a flagged tanker South Korea in the Gulf. At the same time, Iran’s agents were signaling a devaluation.
The head of Iraq’s Shiite militia group, Kataib Hezbollah, issued a statement saying the group would not attempt to “enter” the US embassy in Baghdad, which was attacked after the 2019 massacre. Soleimani, or an attempt to overthrow the current Iraqi Iraq. government, even as a large crowd gathered in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square on Sunday to call for U.S. forces to leave the country.
While there are still concerns that the U.S. or Iran may err, there is a widespread perception among Iranian-looking diplomats that Tehran has every incentive to avoid a stimulus that could provoke and provoke conflict. out of the inability of President Joe Biden to pursue plans to return to the nuclear deal and finally the abolition of sanctions that Trump would use to boost Iran’s economy.
“I think Ioran knows in a few days that the game will start again and if they do something silly now it won’t help their situation,” one diplomat told CNN.
Nicole Gaouette from CNN contributed to this report.