U.S. Deploys B-2 Bombers to Diego Garcia Amid Rising Tensions with Iran

DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory — The U.S. has deployed at least six B-2 bombers to the strategic military base on Diego Garcia as tensions with Iran escalate once again. This move represents a significant portion of the U.S. Air Force’s stealth bomber fleet and comes amid renewed threats from President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding military actions against Iran and its allies.

Images captured by Planet Labs satellite on March 29, 2025, reveal the stealth bombers stationed on the tarmac of the airbase, approximately 3,900 kilometers (2,400 miles) from Iran’s southern coast. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the arrival of additional military aircraft to enhance the U.S. defensive posture in the region, stating, “The United States and its partners remain committed to regional security… and are prepared to respond to any state or non-state actor seeking to broaden or escalate conflict in the region.”

Former U.S. Air Force Colonel Cedric Leighton commented on the deployment, describing it as a strategic message to Iran. “This is clearly designed to send a message — perhaps several messages — related to Iran’s involvement in regional conflicts,” Leighton said. He speculated that the U.S. is likely signaling Iran to cease its support for Houthi rebels in Yemen and to consider negotiations for a new nuclear agreement.

The B-2 bombers are equipped with precision strike technology and can carry the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a 30,000-pound bomb designed for deep underground targets like Iranian nuclear facilities. Aviation analyst Peter Layton emphasized that this significant deployment indicates a readiness for extensive military engagement, beyond just targeting the Houthi rebels.

In the wake of Trump’s ultimatum to Iran for a renewed nuclear deal, hostilities have escalated. Trump openly threatened military action if negotiations fail, stating on his social media platform, “Stop shooting at U.S. ships, and we will stop shooting at you. Otherwise, we have only just begun.”

As the U.S. invades actively through airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, the potential for a military confrontation with Iran looms large. Days prior, a Houthi missile attack targeted U.S. Navy warships in the region, amplifying concerns about maritime security.

In addition to the bombers, the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier remains in the Indian Ocean, conducting strikes against Houthi targets. The upcoming deployment of the USS Carl Vinson to the region also signifies increased U.S. military presence.

Sources indicate that the recent surge of military support reflects Trump’s administration’s dual strategy: maintain a hard stance against Iran while simultaneously seeking dialogue for a new agreement aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

International optics are particularly important as this deployment comes at a time when Iran’s relationship with both China and Russia remains intact. The involvement of these powers on Iran’s side in potential military conflicts raises the stakes for U.S. involvement in the region.

As American officials reiterate their commitment to defend U.S. interests abroad, military operations in the Indian Ocean and the Middle East will continue to intensify, as evidenced by moving air assets to Diego Garcia. Layton commented, “This deployment sends a clear message across Asia and especially to adversaries like Iran.”