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

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The Pentagon has deployed at least six B-2 bombers, roughly 30% of the U.S. Air Force’s stealth bomber fleet, to Diego Garcia, an Indian Ocean island that serves as a strategic military base. This move comes as tensions escalate between the United States and Iran amidst ongoing airstrikes targeting Tehran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Satellite images captured by Planet Labs on March 29 show six B-2 bombers on the tarmac at Diego Garcia, alongside various support aircraft, in a notable signal to Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have warned of potential military action against Iran and its affiliates should hostilities continue.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed additional air assets are being sent to the region to enhance America’s defensive posture. “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,” Parnell stated.

CNN military analyst Cedric Leighton emphasized the deployment’s strategic significance. “This is clearly a signal—perhaps several signals—to Iran,” said the former U.S. Air Force colonel. “It’s a warning to cease supporting the Houthis in Yemen and a reminder that if negotiations for a new nuclear deal don’t progress, consequences may follow.”

Tensions have been heightened since mid-March when the U.S. intensified strikes against Houthi forces, who have threatened U.S. naval vessels in the region. Trump recently took to social media, asserting, “Stop shooting at U.S. ships, and we will stop shooting at you. Otherwise, we have only just begun, and the real pain is yet to come for both the Houthis and their sponsors in Iran.”

The deployment of B-2s to Diego Garcia, a joint UK-U.S. base located approximately 2,400 miles from Iran’s southern coast, underscores the U.S. military’s readiness to strike at significant Iranian targets. Military aviation analyst Peter Layton noted the deployment’s seriousness. “Six is a serious number. The B-2s can target deeply buried objectives, potentially including Iranian nuclear facilities,” he said.

While some analysts view the presence of B-2 bombers as a deterrent to Iran, Layton suggested the aircraft might also support broader U.S. military objectives in the region. “This deployment encompasses not only the Houthis but potential Iranian nuclear threats,” he remarked.

Pentagon sources reveal ongoing air operations, with the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier remaining in the region as strikes against Houthi rebels continue. The carrier group was originally set to conclude its deployment in March, but has since extended its mission due to the rising geopolitical tensions.

In addition to the B-2s, the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier is reported to be moving to the Middle East after completing exercises in the Asia-Pacific region, further augmenting the U.S. military’s presence in response to escalating hostilities.

As military activity intensifies, the situation remains fluid. Iran’s leadership has signaled possible retaliatory responses, with President Masoud Pezeshkian rejecting direct talks and suggesting Iran’s willingness to engage indirectly. The region watches closely as the U.S. signals its resolve amid mounting threats from Iranian proxies.