The United States deployed a B-1 long-range bomber to strike Iran on Tuesday, in a significant escalation of its attacks since the renewal of the conflict twelve days ago, sources told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday.<\/p>\n
The first strike using the bomber was conducted on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
According to an Axios report, the deployed B-1 began its mission from a base in the United Kingdom. Its movements were tracked online via plane-tracking websites, but its exact target is unknown. This comes shortly after Bloomberg News reported that newly sworn-in British Prime Minister Andy Burnham<\/a> approved the use of British bases for attacks by the United States against Iran.\u00a0<\/p>\n Using B-1 bombers, which can carry two dozen 2,000-lb. bombs or dozens of cruise missiles, signaled a significant escalation and expansion of the US military campaign, per\u00a0Axios.\u00a0<\/p>\n US Central Command (CENTCOM) did not mention the B-1 fighter in a statement regarding overnight strikes against Iran.<\/p>\n The US conducted several B-1 missions between February and April during Operation Epic Fury, hitting missile bases, command centers, weapons storage facilities, and air defense systems. CENTCOM confirmed this in early March<\/a>, with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warning \u201cB-2s, B-52s, B-1s, Predator drones, [and fighter jets] controlling the skies and selecting targets\u201d could become the new normal for Iran.<\/p>\n The latest report of B-1 fighter use follows a Wall Street Journal report that US President Donald Trump is considering expanding attacks on Iran<\/a>, with fighter jets positioned across the Middle East and bombers placed on high alert.<\/p>\n