 "US moves B-2 bombers into Pacific: Is Washington preparing for a wider war in West Asia?")
The United States has begun relocating B-2 stealth bombers to Guam, a strategic Pacific outpost amid growing tensions in West Asia and renewed speculation over potential American involvement in Israel’s military campaign against Iran.
Two US officials told Reuters that the transfer of the long-range bombers had begun, although it remains unclear whether the move is directly linked to the deepening conflict in the region. The timing, however has raised questions among analysts and defence watchers.
The deployment comes just as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian doubled down on Tehran’s nuclear ambitions , declaring that Iran’s atomic activities would proceed “under any circumstances.” His remarks followed intensified Israeli strikes and increasing pressure on Iran’s regional proxies.
In parallel, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have warned of a fresh wave of attacks on American vessels in the Red Sea if Washington formally joins the conflict. “Our operations will resume with more intensity if the US enters the war,” Houthi spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree said in a pre-recorded statement.
The B-2 bomber, one of America’s most advanced strategic assets, can carry the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator—a weapon specifically designed to destroy deeply buried targets. Analysts say the deployment could be part of contingency planning for strikes on fortified Iranian nuclear facilities, such as the Fordow site.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThough the Pentagon has not publicly commented, the movement of the bombers adds to a series of recent military adjustments, including the relocation of tanker aircraft and fighter jets, which signal Washington’s efforts to prepare for a possible regional escalation.
With President Donald Trump yet to announce whether the US will militarily back Israel, the repositioning of high-value assets like the B-2 suggests Washington is keeping its options open should the conflict widen.
Whether this move is meant as a deterrent or a prelude to deeper involvement remains unclear—but the strategic message to Tehran and its allies is unmistakable.
The officials spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, did not provide specifics on the number of bombers involved or other operational details. One of them noted that there were no current orders for the aircraft to move beyond Guam.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Experts and officials are closely watching to see whether the B-2 bombers will move forward to a US-British military base on the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia. Experts say that Diego Garcia is in an ideal position to operate in the West Asia.
The United States had B-2 bombers on Diego Garcia up until last month, when they were replaced with B-52 bombers.
Israel said on Saturday it had killed a veteran Iranian commander during attacks by both sides in the more than week-long air war, while Tehran said it would not negotiate over its nuclear program while under threat.
Israel says Iran was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons, while Iran says its atomic program is only for peaceful purposes.
Trump has said he would take up to two weeks to decide whether the United States should enter the conflict on Israel’s side, enough time ”to see whether or not people come to their senses,” he said.
Reuters was first to report this week the movement of a large number of tanker aircraft to Europe and other military assets to the West Asia, including the deployment of more fighter jets.
An aircraft carrier in the Indo-Pacific is also heading to the West Asia.
With inputs from agencies
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