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The U.S. military flew two nuclear-armed B-52H Stratofortresses over the Middle East on Sunday alongside coalition aircraft from the British, Kuwaiti and Saudi air forces, according to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
It was the fourth Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission so far this year, and it came amid heightened tensions with Iran. Iran attempted to seize multiple U.S. drones operating on the high seas last week.
During Sunday’s mission, B-52 long-range bombers took off from Britain and flew over the eastern Mediterranean, the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea.
“This bomber task force is a powerful and clear demonstration of America’s enduring commitment to the region,” said Lt. Gen. Alexus Glinkewicz, commander of the 9th Air Force, in a statement.
“Threats to the United States and our partners will not go unanswered. Missions like this BTF demonstrate our ability to work together to deter our adversaries and, if necessary, defeat them.”
Army Central Command simulated firepower on the ground as British, Kuwaiti and Saudi fighters escorted B-52 bombers overhead.
The Associated Press reported that three Israeli F-16 fighter jets also “passed through Israeli skies en route to the (Persian) Gulf” alongside the B-52 bombers.
FMR Israel ambassador to UN: US weakness with Iran deal could see Israel ‘closer’ with Arab neighbors
Washington has been negotiating with Iran for 16 months to revive the defunct Iran nuclear deal.
Iran submitted a response last month to a US proposal to revive the deal, but a State Department spokesperson said it was “not constructive.”
Iran denies it wants to build a nuclear bomb, but according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran now has about 3,800 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity. Under previous terms of the nuclear deal, Iran could only have 300 kilograms of uranium enriched to 3.67%.
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Last Monday, an Iranian ship seized an American maritime drone in the Arabian Gulf, but the Navy’s coastal vessel USS Thunderbolt and MH-60S Seahawk helicopters were dispatched to stop the seizure.
Then, last Thursday, an Iranian warship seized and detained two US drones, but the US Fifth Fleet again dispatched two destroyers and a helicopter to deter them.