Satellite imagery has revealed the presence of B-52 bombers at the US Naval base on the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean. This comes as President Donald Trump continues to exert pressure on Iran regarding its nuclear program.
A pair of long-range strategic bombers have been identified at the joint US-UK military base at Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago. The base has previously served as a tactical command center for military strikes in the Middle East.
Open-source intelligence analysts from Air and Space Forces Magazine have inferred from the satellite images that both recently arrived aircraft are B-52s, based on their dimensions.
The United States has increased its military presence at the airbase, with President Trump not ruling out military action as he seeks a resolution to the conflict with Iran.
The two B-52s reportedly joined a group of six B-2 stealth bombers, which have been stationed at Diego Garcia for several weeks, reports the Express.
B-2 stealth bombers, designed to evade anti-aircraft defense systems, along with C-17 transport aircraft, were deployed to the military base in March as the US initiated air attacks against Houthi forces in Yemen.
The escalating buildup of military equipment on the Chagos Islands could indicate preparations for a large-scale military operation in the Middle East, as tensions continue between the US and Iran over the latter's nuclear ambitions.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference this week, Vice President JD Vance expressed that the two countries were "the right pathway" but reiterated concerns over Iran's potential to develop nuclear weapons.
"We don't care if people want nuclear power. We're fine with that," Vance said. "But you can't have the kind of enrichment programme that allows you to get to a nuclear weapon. And that's where we draw the line."
Iran has consistently claimed that its nuclear program is strictly for commercial purposes and denies any intention to create nuclear weapons.
On the other hand, an Iranian official conveyed to The Telegraph in March: "The response to Trump's threats should be action, not words – every base in the region is within range of our missiles.
"The missiles are locked and loaded, ready to target any area from which Iran could be threatened, whether from Diego Garcia or Bahrain."
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US bombers stationed within striking distance of Iran as nuclear tensions rise – The Mirror US
