Multiple US B-2 bombers appeared to be airborne and heading west from the US on Saturday as US President Donald Trump weighs military involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict.
The US leader was set to meet with his national security team on Saturday evening. He previously said he would put off a decision on US involvement in the conflict for up to two weeks.
B-2 bombers are the only aircraft that carry the larger "bunker buster" bombs. It was not clear whether the planes being escorted on Saturday were prepared for an operation or moving to airbases closer to Iran as a show of force.
Aside from an on-the-ground raid or even a nuclear strike, Iran’s underground Fordo uranium enrichment facility is considered out of reach to all but American bunker-buster bombs.
According to the US Air Force, only the US has configured and programmed its B-2 aircraft to deliver the bomb.
While these planes are normally stationed in Missouri, on Saturday multiple aerial refuelling tankers were spotted on commercial flight trackers flying patterns consistent with escorting aircraft from the central US to the Pacific.
The White House did not respond to requests for comment, but Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said US military involvement “would be very, very dangerous for everyone.”
He said Iran was open to further dialogue, but not while Israel continues its attack.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel’s military operation will continue “for as long as it takes” to eliminate what he called the existential threat of Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile arsenal.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard announced the launch of drones towards Israel on Saturday evening in the latest wave of attacks as fighting entered the 10th day.
Iranian media said Israel launched strikes on the southern city of Shiraz, which hosts military bases.
