US B-52 Bombers Reach Middle East amid Iran threats
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has threatened a "tooth-breaking" response to continued Israeli military actions, including a recent commando raid in Lebanon. Khamenei said both the United States and Israel "will definitely receive a tooth-breaking response," referring to Iran-aligned groups across the Middle East. His top advisor, Kamal Kharrazi, also hinted that Iran may review its nuclear policy if it faces an existential threat. "If an existential threat arises, Iran will modify its nuclear doctrine," he said.
Iran considers modifying nuclear policy amid escalating tensions
The recent confrontations started with an October 1 missile strike from Iran, followed by Israel's bombing campaign targeting Iranian military installations on October 26. Israel's bombing campaign reportedly killed four Iranian soldiers and severely crippled Iran's missile and air defense capacities. On Friday, Israeli naval commandos captured a senior Hezbollah operative in Batroun, Lebanon. Lebanese authorities condemned this raid and instructed their foreign ministry to file a complaint with the United Nations.
US to deploy fighter fighters, refueling aircraft, and Navy warships
Amid the heightened tensions, the United States announced on Friday that it will deploy B-52 bombers, fighter fighters, refueling aircraft, and Navy warships to the Middle East. The Pentagon announced in a statement that deployments would take place in the following months. "Should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every measure necessary to defend our people," Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder said.
B-52 bombers arrive in Middle East
After Friday's announcement, the US military said that American B-52 bombers arrived in the Middle East on Saturday. "B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers from Minot Air Force Base's 5th Bomb Wing arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility," the military command for the Middle East and surrounding countries said. Iran has launched two significant strikes on Israel in 2024, one in April following a hit on its consulate in Damascus that was attributed on Israel, and another in October.
