US B-2 Stealth Bombers Head to Indian Ocean to Deter Iran and Houthis

The Pentagon has deployed at least six B-2 bombers to the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean, accounting for about one-third of the US Air Force’s stealth strategic bomber fleet. Analysts point out that this move sends a strong signal to Iran, indicating a further escalation in the Middle East situation.

According to CNN, US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently warned of possible further actions against Iran and its proxies. The US military continues to launch airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Satellite images from Planet Labs this week show six B-2 bombers parked on the runway at the Diego Garcia base, with nearby hangars that may be concealing more aircraft. Sunday’s images also show four B-2 bombers and six support aircraft present. The base is jointly operated by the US and the UK, located approximately 3,900 kilometers off the southern coast of Iran.

While Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell did not directly mention the B-2 bombers, he confirmed that the US military has bolstered the area with “aircraft and other aerial assets” to enhance defensive capabilities. He stated, “The US and its partners will continue to be committed to regional security and prepared to respond to any escalatory actions.”

President Trump issued a warning on Truth Social on Tuesday, stating, “Stop attacking US warships, and we will stop retaliating. Otherwise, this is only the beginning, the real pain has yet to come.”

Since mid-March, the US military has intensified its airstrikes against the Houthis. The US military states that these actions are in support of Gaza, which was struck by Israeli bombings. The Houthis claim that the latest US airstrikes have resulted in 65 fatalities.

Military aviation analyst Peter Layton noted that deploying six B-2 bombers suggests the targets may not be solely the Houthis. He mentioned, “If targeting deep-buried facilities of the Houthis, two or three would be sufficient, so six is a substantial number.”

CNN military analyst Cedric Leighton remarked that these expensive $2 billion aircraft are evidently intended to warn US adversaries, notably Iran. He highlighted that the B-2s are capable of carrying the 30,000-pound GBU-57 “Massive Ordnance Penetrator” designed to destroy deep targets like Iran’s nuclear facilities.

President Trump previously stated that he would give Tehran two months to reach a new nuclear agreement; otherwise, there would be consequences. He emphasized, “I prefer to resolve it through an agreement because I do not wish to harm Iran.”

However, Iran has rejected any direct negotiations this week. Parnell reiterated that if Iran or its proxies threaten US personnel or interests, the US will respond decisively.

Currently, the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman has extended its deployment in the Middle East, while the USS Carl Vinson will head to the Middle East after operations in the Asia-Pacific region. Parnell mentioned that the Nimitz Strike Group will also move to the Western Pacific to maintain superiority in the Indo-Pacific region.

Leighton believes that while the B-2s are primarily aimed at Iran, China and Russia will closely monitor the situation, as “Iran has close relations with China and Russia.”