U.S. President Donald Trump shared a video on Saturday of a military airstrike that killed dozens of Houthi rebels in Yemen. This incident comes shortly after the U.S. sent six B-2 stealth bomber aircraft to Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean, in what experts see as an attempt to deter Iran and its allies, including the Houthis.
One of the world's most advanced aircraft, also known as the 'Ghost of the Sky,' was deployed a mere 2,400 miles from Iran's coastline, adding strain to the already volatile Middle East. Satellite imagery analysis from Planet Labs PBC reveals the presence of six B-2 stealth bombers on the island's airbase, managed jointly by American and British forces. These planes represent 30% of America's stealth bomber fleet, with experts speculating additional bombers could be housed in the hangers.
Why the B-2 Stealth Bomber?
The reason is clear—it is America's finest and arguably the world’s best combat aircraft. Each bomber costs $2 billion and can readily evade radar detection alongside air defenses, reaching targets worldwide while returning to base. It can also refuel mid-air.
Source: aajtak
These Cold War-era jets have been used before to target Houthis. The B-2 is designed with amenities for pilots, including food storage, heating, and restrooms. No B-2 aircraft has ever been destroyed in combat to date.
Why Deploy in Diego Garcia?
This action was not taken on a whim. It is seen as a response from Trump towards aggressive attacks. Iran-backed Houthis have been targeted to discourage attacks on American ships crossing the Red Sea and to pressure Iran on its growing nuclear program. For weeks, the U.S. has been bombing the Houthis in Yemen. The largest attack occurred in March, killing 53 rebels and injuring nearly 100 others.
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Trump has vowed to continue strikes on the Houthis until they cease attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea, a critical trade route. Since the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023 as a show of solidarity with Gaza, the Houthis have targeted ships in the region.
'Ceasefire Before We Halt Attacks'
Earlier this week, President Trump stated, 'Cease firing on American ships, and we will ceasefire on you... We've only just begun; real damage is yet to come for Houthis and their Iranian supporters.' Nonetheless, defense analysts state the deployment of six B-2 bombers in Diego Garcia might be part of a broader strategy targeting more than just the Houthis.
Sending a Message to Iran
The considerable deployment aims to send a message to Iran to renegotiate its nuclear deal with the Trump administration. Last month, in a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, Trump issued a two-month deadline to reach a new nuclear agreement or face severe consequences.
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Last month, Trump told Fox News there are two ways to deal with Iran—military or negotiation. He expressed a preference for negotiation, not wishing to harm Iran. However, Iran has rejected any direct talks. Despite denying a military nuclear program, many reports and analyses have concluded this Middle Eastern country is indeed advancing rapidly in this direction.
Note, during his first term, Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal involving the U.S., Iran, and five other global powers. If Iran does not come to the negotiation table, its nuclear and weapon storage facilities could become America’s potential targets.
