SEOUL, November 4 (AJP) - Strategic bombers from the United States have arrived in the Middle East amid rising concerns over a possible new offensive by Iran against Israel, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed early Sunday.
The B-52 Stratofortress bombers, originating from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, were deployed to the region, according to CENTCOM, which did not provide further details.
Previously, Pentagon officials indicated that B-52 bombers, along with additional destroyers, fighter squadrons, and refueling tankers, would be positioned in the Middle East as a preventive measure against potential threats from Iran and allied militant groups.
These military deployments come just ahead of the U.S. presidential election set for Tuesday and as the Middle East faces the risk of a broader conflict stemming from ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iranian-supported groups, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
On Saturday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a warning to both Israel and the United States, promising "a crushing response" following Israeli airstrikes on Oct. 26 that hit military targets and other sites, resulting in at least five casualties in Iran.
"The enemies, whether the Zionist regime or the United States, will undoubtedly face a crushing response for their actions against Iran, the Iranian people, and the resistance front," Khamenei said.
Khamenei did not specify when or how such an attack might take place. Earlier this year, Iran had already carried out two major assaults on Israel in April and October, the latter involving nearly 200 ballistic missiles launched at Israeli targets.
In response, the U.S. military bolstered Israel's defenses by sending the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system last month to shield against potential Iranian missile strikes.
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