The Politico website quoted a US military official that the US military is ready and reinforcing its forces in the Middle East, fearing a possible Iranian attack, and that the Pentagon is watching for worrying signs of possible attacks by Iranian militias in Iraq.

This comes at a time when the US Central Command announced that two bombers, "B-52" (B-52), flew Thursday over the Gulf waters.

The leadership said that the mission is a message to those it described as potential opponents, and that it comes to confirm the commitment of the US military to protect its regional partners, and Washington's ability to rapidly deploy combat force anywhere in the world.

The commander of the US Central Command was quoted as saying that Iran is embarrassed after the killing of nuclear scientist Fakhrizadeh and is still looking for a way to respond, and he stressed that after the killing of Qassem Soleimani, Iran is finding it difficult to coordinate matters in Iraq.

"We are watching Iran's threats, and it is not in its interest to attack us, directly or indirectly," he said.

The American New York Times quoted US military officials (it did not mention them), as saying that the goal is to deter Iran and its proxies from carrying out attacks against US forces in the Middle East.

The US Army Central Command said in a statement that the two heavy bombers, called "Stratofortress" and which can carry nuclear weapons, took off from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana and their crews were notified at the last minute.

The statement mentioned that the two planes flew over the Gulf "with other aircraft belonging to the US Air Force and aircraft from partner countries," explaining that this is the second flight of "B-52" bombers within two months in this region.

Central Command Commander General Frank McKinsey commented, "Our potential opponents must understand that no country on earth is more prepared and capable (than the United States) to rapidly deploy additional combat capabilities in the face of any aggression."

"Our ability to cooperate with partners in such a mission proves that we are ready to respond together to any crisis," he said.

The officials added that the two bombers' flight in the Gulf sky took about 36 hours in a round trip, after they set off from Barksdale Airport in the US state of Louisiana (south).

The B-52s are long-range strategic bombers, capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds of weapons.

Zadeh assassination

This US move comes after the assassination of the Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh (63 years), known as the "godfather of the nuclear deal" on November 27, after targeting his car that was traveling near the capital, Tehran.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani described the assassination as an "Israeli trap", vowing to respond in a timely manner. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard also threatened "harsh revenge", accusing Israel of being behind his assassination.

The assassination also comes as the first anniversary of the killing of the commander of the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Qassem Soleimani, approaches.

And recently, US media circulated unconfirmed news about a possible US attack on Iran, ahead of the end of President Donald Trump's term on January 20.