The United States has deployed several B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, as President Donald Trump intensifies deliberations over potential military action against Iran, CNN reported.
Flight tracking data showed the bombers heading west on Friday night, with current indications suggesting they are en route to the US military base in Guam. Although no formal orders for a strike have been issued, defense officials confirmed the deployment is part of broader strategic posturing intended to keep options open and deter adversaries.
“This movement doesn’t indicate an imminent operation but is part of maintaining operational readiness,” two defense officials told CNN. One added that it also serves as a visible demonstration of US military capability amid escalating regional tensions.
The B-2 bombers, known for their ability to evade radar detection, are uniquely capable of carrying the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—a 30,000-pound “bunker buster” bomb specifically designed to target fortified underground facilities, such as Iran’s Fordow nuclear site. Each B-2 can carry two MOPs.
Trump has reportedly spent the past week in the White House Situation Room reviewing contingency plans and discussing military scenarios with senior advisors. Sources indicate that a decision on potential military action could come sooner than initially anticipated.
On the same night as the B-2 deployment, eight KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft departed from Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma. These aerial refueling planes reportedly linked up with two formations identified via air traffic control as MYTEE11 FLT and MYTEE21 FLT — callsigns commonly associated with B-2 bomber missions.
The tankers provided mid-air refueling over Kansas, off the coast of California, and near Hawaii. Additionally, satellite imagery from Thursday revealed six KC-135 tankers stationed at Diego Garcia, a key logistics hub in the Indian Ocean, potentially indicating preparations for a longer-range operation.
While the Pentagon has not officially confirmed any offensive plans, the increased movement of strategic bombers and refueling aircraft signals a heightened state of readiness as the administration continues to evaluate its stance on Iran.