American B-52 bombers arrive in the Middle East

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced early today (Sunday) that B-52 Stratofortress bombers from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base have arrived in the Middle East, marking an escalation in the U.S. military presence in the region.

CENTCOM’s announcement follows Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's order to deploy additional forces, including bombers, fighter jets, tanker aircraft, and Navy destroyers. Pentagon press secretary Pat Ryder noted these reinforcements would begin arriving in the coming months, as the USS Abraham Lincoln begins its return.

This comes as tensions are heightened following reports that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei instructed the Supreme National Security Council to prepare for an attack on Israel. According to The New York Times, Khamenei’s decision was based on military assessments detailing damage to Iran's missile production, air defense systems, critical infrastructure, and a major southern port.

CNN reported on Wednesday that Iran is likely to retaliate before the upcoming U.S. presidential election. An Israeli military source confirmed that Israel is on high alert for a possible Iranian response following recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military targets.