The United States has increased its military presence in the Middle East by deploying B-52 strategic bombers, fighter jets, refuelling aircraft and destroyers, the US military has announced. The deployment is part of an adjustment of military forces to “defend Israel” and as a warning to Iran, which the Pentagon said could pose a threat to American interests and personnel in the region.
“The B-52 bombers based at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota are now under the responsibility of the US Central Command (Centcom), which oversees military operations in the Middle East,” Centcom’s official social media reports.
The Pentagon announced the deployment of new military units on Friday, noting that operations will continue in the coming months, demonstrating the US ability to quickly manoeuvre military resources across different regions of the world. Major General Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, warned: “If Iran or its allies attempt to attack U.S. personnel or interests, the United States will take all necessary measures to protect its people.”
Iran warns of “devastating response”
In parallel, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made tough statements, threatening the United States and Israel with a “devastating response” in case of aggression against Iran or the anti-Israeli “Axis of Resistance” coalition. Khamenei, who has ruled the country for more than three decades, said: “The Zionist regime and the United States will undoubtedly receive a crushing response for their actions against Iran and its allies.”
This warning comes against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between Iran and Israel. Israel, backed by the United States, is fighting the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza and confronting Lebanon’s Hezbollah on its northern border. Both of these organisations receive support from Iran. Tensions reached new heights when, on 26 October, Israeli aircraft struck military targets in Iran in response to Tehran’s massive rocket fire on Israel in early October.
The escalation of the situation increases the risks to regional stability, and the US military build-up signals its readiness to protect its allies and its own interests in the Middle East.
