Iran threatens devastation to US-UK base after B-2 bombers arrive – Is war imminent?

Tensions in the Indian Ocean have risen sharply following Iran's recent threats to strike a joint US-UK naval base in the region, particularly after the arrival of B-2 stealth bombers. Iranian officials have warned that if the United States launches an attack against Iran, they will not distinguish between British, American, or Turkish forces stationed at the base. The threat was issued by a senior Iranian military figure who told The Telegraph, “There will be no distinction in targeting British or American forces if Iran is attacked from any base in the region or within the range of Iranian missiles.”

The warning comes at a time when satellite images confirm the deployment of B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia, a strategically important British-occupied island in the Indian Ocean. The island hosts about 4,000 US and British military personnel, along with civilian contractors, making it a vital hub for launching military operations, including against Iran’s underground facilities. Iran, however, claims to have the capability to strike the island with its upgraded Khorramshahr missiles and long-range Shahed-136B drones, which could potentially target the base with precision.

This latest development follows escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, particularly under President Donald Trump’s "maximum pressure" campaign. The US president warned Iran last week that “very bad things will happen” if the regime does not come to the negotiating table regarding its nuclear program. Trump has been vocal about his preference to engage in dialogue with Iran, emphasizing his desire for a peaceful resolution. However, the Iranian government has remained largely firm in rejecting direct talks, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei maintaining a ban on negotiations. Nevertheless, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently hinted that indirect talks might still be possible.

The looming threat of military action and the ongoing diplomatic stalemate between Iran and the United States have set the stage for an uncertain future in the region.