Tensions Escalate Between Iran and the US

Iran’s Threat

Following Trump’s threat of military action against the Iranian regime if it does not reach a nuclear deal with the U.S., a senior Iranian military official told The Telegraph that Tehran would strike the joint U.S.-UK naval base in Diego Garcia in retaliation for any American attack. “There will be no distinction between British and American forces if Iran is attacked from any base in the region or within range of Iranian missiles,” the source stated.

Billboard in Tehran | Photo: Shutterstock

Last week, the military news website The War Zone reported that the U.S. has moved bombers closer to Iran’s nuclear facilities, based on open intelligence sources.

Bunker Buster Deployment

Stealth B-2 Spirit bombers have been deployed at Diego Garcia, a strategic location in the Indian Ocean that enables strikes in the Middle East. The unique B-2 is a key asset in a potential confrontation with Iran, as it is capable of carrying the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a 14-ton “bunker buster” bomb designed to penetrate fortified underground facilities. The B-2 remains the primary platform for deploying this weapon.

‘No Matter How Deeply Buried Underground’

The U.S. has already used these advanced bombers in operations against the Houthis in October. The bombers traveled from the U.S. to Yemen to strike targets there. “This was a unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened, or fortified”, then-U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated.

Defense Minister Gallant and U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin | Photo: Miriam Alster/Flash90

The MOP bomb is viewed as a frontrunner option should the U.S. decide to target Iran’s fortified nuclear facilities. However, reports indicate that it could also be used against the Houthis, who are believed to have an underground bunker system in the Saada province near the Saudi border.

Earlier this month, President Trump declared that any further attacks by the Houthis would be met with overwhelming force and that Iran would bear responsibility for such, and face severe consequences.