US Places Fleet of Nuclear Bombers at Iran’s Doors in Warning to Tehran

Satellite imagery appears to show the United States has stationed nuclear-capable bombers at an air base in Qatar as part of an expanded military presence in the Middle East to contain Iran.

Hans Christensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project of the Federation of American Scientists: published a photo of Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar, as of Tuesday, from California-based global imaging company Planet Labs on X (formerly Twitter).

It shows six B-52H Stratofortress bombers parked in an open area of ​​the base, and at least five of them were identified by Christensen as being capable of carrying nuclear weaponsnot that they are equipped with them for this deployment.

Newsweek I couldn’t independently check the satellite images.

Increase American military the presence comes as tensions between Israel and Iran remain high after both sides held hitting back at each other last month. Tehran said it will equip itself.”to the extent necessary“to protect yourself.

The deployment of the bomber was reported Pentagon November 1, and the long-range strike aircraft will be used to protect American troops and citizens in Middle Eastadvocating for US ally Israel and de-escalation “through deterrence and diplomacy.”

The B-52H is one of two American nuclear bombers in service. The US Air Force has a Stratofortress fleet of 76 aircraft, but only 46 of them can carry the AGM-86B nuclear air-launched cruise missile, which has a range of more than 1,500 miles.

In addition to the B-52H, the B-2 Spirit, which has a fleet of 19 aircraft, is capable of dropping nuclear gravity bombs. According to the Pentagon, a total of 60 heavy bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons are assigned to the air delivery system of the US nuclear triad.

The nuclear triad refers to three-way delivery structure it includes ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles; submarine missiles; and strategic bombers.

The United States has reached an agreement with Qatar to extend its presence at Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military base in the Middle East, for another decade. CNN reported in January. The base is located southwest of Doha, the capital of Qatar.

The straight line distance between the air base and the Iranian capital Tehran is 731 miles. The B-52H has a range of 8,800 miles, according to the U.S. Air Force.

Lloyd AustinThe US Defense Secretary also ordered the deployment of additional missile defense destroyers, fighter squadrons and tanker aircraft to the Middle East. US Navy aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and his strike force are preparing to move into the region.

The United States has a flexible global defense posture and is capable of deploying forces around the world at short notice to address “growing national security threats,” the Pentagon added, warning Iran and its allies not to attack American personnel or interests in the region.