US Military Buildup: The US has deployed six B-2 stealth bombers to Diego Garcia amid rising tensions with Iran and conflict in Yemen. This represents a significant portion of the US stealth bomber fleet.
Strategic Location: Diego Garcia, a US-UK joint military base in the Indian Ocean, is strategically positioned about 2,400 miles from Iran, enabling power projection across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Message to Iran: The B-2 deployment is seen as a warning to Iran to cease supporting the Houthis and to negotiate a new nuclear deal.
Potential Targets: The B-2s can carry Massive Ordnance Penetrators, potentially targeting Iranian nuclear and weapons storage facilities.
Increased Airstrikes: US airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen have intensified, leading to casualties. The Houthis claim these actions are retaliation for Israeli operations in Gaza.
Trump’s Ultimatum: President Trump has given Iran two months to negotiate a new nuclear agreement, threatening military action if negotiations fail.
Iranian Sovereignty: In 2024, the UK agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining control of the military base on Diego Garcia under a 99-year lease.
Operational Security Concerns: Sensitive details about planned military strikes were reportedly shared in an unsecured group chat, raising concerns about operational security.
Global Monitoring: The B-2 deployment is being closely monitored by global powers, including China and Russia, given Iran’s alliances with these countries.
