US sends largest stealth bomber force to Indian Ocean base

• The U.S. military has deployed six B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, located the Indian Ocean. This marks the largest forward deployment of these aircraft to date.
• The U.S. is increasing its military presence in the region, with two aircraft carrier strike groups and A-10 Warthog aircraft also deployed.
• Diplomatic efforts are underway to address Iran’s nuclear program, with U.S. officials warning of serious consequences if an agreement is not reached.

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The U.S. military has deployed six B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, marking what analysts call the largest forward deployment of its kind. Satellite imagery confirmed the bombers on the airbase tarmac alongside refueling tankers and support aircraft. The Pentagon has not publicly acknowledged the operation.

Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, verified the images and noted the scale is unprecedented for B-2 bombers. The aircraft are within operational range of Iran.

What is the purpose of the deployment?

The B-2s are equipped to carry conventional and nuclear weapons, including bunker-busting munitions. Their stealth design enables them to bypass radar defenses and their range allows for missions to Iran and back without refueling.

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The visibility of the bombers in satellite imagery is believed to be intentional. Defense experts say the deployment serves as a strategic signal amid rising tensions with Tehran.

In addition to the B-2s, the U.S. has kept two aircraft carrier strike groups in the region. A-10 Warthogs and missile defense systems have been sent to Israel. These moves reflect growing pressure on Iran and its allies.

The six B-2s represent about 30% of the U.S. stealth bomber fleet.

Are talks with Iran still happening?

President Donald Trump confirmed direct nuclear talks with Iran will begin on Saturday, April 12, in Oman. He warned that if talks fail, “it will be a very bad day for Iran.”

Iran has rejected direct talks but signaled openness to indirect negotiations. Trump said he still prefers a diplomatic solution.

The U.K., France and Germany must decide by late July whether to reimpose U.N. sanctions suspended under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. The issue is time-sensitive, as Russia is set to assume the U.N. Security Council presidency in October.

What are the implications for Iran’s nuclear program?

Iran has threatened to withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty if sanctions return. The treaty allows international monitoring of civilian nuclear activity and bars weapon development. Tehran says its program is peaceful, but Western officials have raised concerns about its transparency.

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The International Atomic Energy Agency reports Iran holds enough enriched uranium to build several nuclear weapons. Reduced access for inspectors could raise the risk of regional conflict.

How is Israel responding?

Israeli officials continue to signal they may act independently if diplomacy fails. Iran maintains its program is not intended for weapons development but says it will respond to threats.

With military deployments expanding and diplomacy on edge, pressure around this weekend’s summit continues to grow.