The US has begun attacking targets in Iran with B-1B bombers operating from bases in the UK, according to data from the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) cited by Israeli media. The force deployment also includes two aircraft carriers, over 25 vessels, F35A stealth fighters, and a growing European air presence apparently preparing for potential diplomatic evacuations.
The US has begun striking targets in Iran with B-1B bombers operating from bases in the UK, according to data from the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) cited by N12. The force deployment detailed by INSS includes two aircraft carriers, over 25 vessels, F35A stealth fighters, F15E and F16 squadrons, and a growing European air presence apparently preparing for potential diplomatic evacuations. This marks the first official confirmation of B-1B operations from UK bases in the current campaign.
The Zioneer reported earlier this morning (10:34 Jerusalem) that the US had intensified the campaign with B-1 heavy bomber strikes. The thread shows the story evolved rapidly overnight: initial reports (versions 11-13, published at 06:59 Jerusalem) described the first use of a strategic bomber since fighting resumed; by versions 14-16, US officials confirmed to Axios that B-1 bombers had struck IRGC targets on Tuesday; versions 17-19 added that the bombers departed from a UK base, with Axios reporting the first B-1 operation since the campaign resumed 12 days ago. The INSS data now provides the broader force posture, corroborating earlier indications of a significant escalation.
As The Zioneer reported on Thu 10:34 Jerusalem, the deployment of B-1 bombers capable of carrying two dozen 2,000-pound bombs represents a significant escalation in the 12th night of operations. The US has been conducting sustained strikes against Iranian air defenses and command infrastructure, with the operation dubbed 'Epic Fury' by some sources. Background context from The Zioneer's earlier reporting (Wed Jun 10, 22:37 Jerusalem) noted B-52 bombers had entered Saudi airspace as strike warnings intensified.
It remains unclear how many B-1B sorties have been conducted from UK bases, what specific targets have been hit, or whether Iranian air defenses have responded. The INSS data does not provide further details on the extent of the strikes or Iranian reactions.
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