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US Defense Secretary Comments on B-2 Bomber Deployment in Response to Iran
PANELMA CITY, Panama: During a press conference on April 9, 2025, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addressed the recent deployment of American B-2 stealth bombers to a joint military facility in the Indian Ocean. He suggested that it’s up to Iran to interpret this move as a signal amid ongoing diplomatic discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
In March, six B-2 bombers were transferred to a US-British military base located on Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean. This relocation coincides with continued US military operations in Yemen and escalating tensions with Iran. The US Air Force has a limited inventory of only 20 B-2 bombers, which are generally used selectively.
Military analysts note that the B-2 bombers, equipped with advanced stealth technology and capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons, are well-positioned for operations in the Middle East. When questioned if the bomber deployment was intended as a warning to Iran, Hegseth stated, “We’ll leave that decision to them.” He emphasized that the aircraft are a significant asset and convey a message to all.
Hegseth reiterated President Trump’s stance on Iran, saying, “The President is clear that Iran should not possess a nuclear weapon, and his focus remains on achieving that goal through peaceful means.”
On the same day, Trump unexpectedly announced that direct talks between the United States and Iran regarding Tehran’s nuclear ambitions would commence that Saturday. He cautioned that Iran would face “significant danger” if these discussions did not succeed.
Iran, which has been resistant to Trump’s demands, announced that indirect negotiations would take place in Oman, underscoring the differences between the two nations. Trump also reaffirmed his willingness to consider military action should Iran continue its pursuit of nuclear capabilities, asserting, “I’m not asking for a lot … they simply cannot have a nuclear weapon.” He did not specify a timeline for any potential military strikes.
Though B-2 bombers have previously targeted Houthi positions in Yemen, some experts argue that their deployment in this context may be excessive. However, the B-2 is capable of carrying the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a weapon designed for penetrating deep underground structures, which could be aimed at Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Western nations accuse Iran of covertly attempting to develop nuclear weapons by enriching uranium to levels above what is necessary for civilian energy purposes. In response, Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is exclusively for the generation of electricity and peaceful initiatives.
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