Yesterday, Saturday, the US military announced the dispatch of a B-52H bomber from the United States to the Middle East, on a long mission to deter "aggression" and reassure US partners in the region, without specifying its final destination.
The US Central Military Command confirmed that it had sent the "B-52H Stratofortress" bomber from a base in North Dakota, and that this step demonstrated the US military's ability to deploy combat air forces anywhere and in a short time, and integrate into Central Command operations to help Maintain regional stability and security.
The US leadership stressed the US commitment to maintaining and protecting freedom of navigation and trade throughout the region, and that it does not seek any conflict, but it remains committed to responding to any emergency around the world.
Stratofortress aircraft are long-range, hypersonic, jet-powered strategic US bombers.
The said aircraft is capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds (31 tons) of weapons, and has a typical combat range of over 8,800 miles without the need for aerial refueling.
These developments come in light of increasing tension between Washington and Tehran, as media reports stated that President Donald Trump's administration may plan an attack on Iran before the end of his term.
Last Thursday, the commander of the US Central Command, General Kenneth McKenzie, said, "Iran's malign activities destabilize its neighbors in the region, and threaten global security and trade."