The United States has reportedly expanded its military operations against Iran by deploying a B-1 long-range strategic bomber in combat for the first time since the latest round of fighting began nearly two weeks ago.
According to reports, the mission was carried out on Tuesday. Axios reported that the bomber departed from a US military base in the United Kingdom before conducting the operation, although officials have not disclosed the target. Aviation tracking platforms reportedly monitored the aircraft’s flight.
The development follows a Bloomberg News report that newly installed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham authorized the use of UK military bases to support US operations against Iran.
Defence analysts described the B-1 deployment as a significant escalation, noting that the aircraft can carry up to 24 precision-guided 2,000-pound bombs or a large number of cruise missiles for strikes against high-value military targets.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) did not directly confirm the bomber’s involvement in its latest update on overnight operations.
The mission follows B-1 deployments between February and April under Operation Epic Fury, during which US forces reportedly struck Iranian missile sites, command facilities, weapons storage locations and air defence systems. At the time, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said B-1, B-2 and B-52 bombers, along with drones and fighter jets, could become a regular part of the US military campaign against Iran.
