Barak Ravid reports on N12 that the US military used a B-1 long-range strategic bomber on Tuesday to strike targets in Iran, the first use of the aircraft since the American campaign began 12 days ago. Israeli officials assess that President Trump is leaning toward expanding the war, with a decision expected in the coming days.
A new report from Barak Ravid on N12, citing Israeli security officials, confirms that the US military used a B-1 strategic bomber for the first time in the current campaign against Iran and adds that Israeli assessments suggest President Trump is leaning toward expanding the war. The report follows a Wall Street Journal dispatch earlier today (Thursday 04:32 Jerusalem) that the Trump administration had ordered B-1 bombers, special forces, and fighter jets to the Middle East as part of the escalation. The N12 report is the latest in a series of confirmations that have emerged since Wednesday morning regarding the B-1's deployment.
Overnight (Wednesday 06:59 Jerusalem), the thread began with a report citing a single American official that a B-1B Lancer had participated in strikes (v9). Within minutes, US officials confirmed the B-1's involvement (v10), and i24NEWS reported that the first B-1 strike occurred on Tuesday (v14). By Wednesday morning, multiple outlets — including Axios (v16) and i24NEWS (v15) — had confirmed the deployment, with US officials stating that B-1 bombers struck IRGC targets. The WSJ report earlier today added that the bombers were ordered to the region. The N12 report now provides an additional confirmation and, uniquely, the Israeli official assessment.
As The Zioneer reported on Wednesday, July 15, Trump discussed expanding strikes to include Tehran and weighed using strategic bombers. The WSJ report earlier today corroborates the movement of those assets. The campaign, now in its 12th consecutive night as of Wednesday, has focused on Iranian military infrastructure and nuclear-related sites, with the US conducting continuous airstrikes.
What remains open: The Israeli assessment that Trump is leaning toward expanding the war is preliminary and based on internal deliberations. No official US decision has been announced. The specific targets and duration of the expanded campaign, if it occurs, are not yet clear.
11 developments
- DevelopingTrump Discusses Expanding Iran Strikes to Tehran, Weighs Strategic Bomber Attack, US Official Says
- StrongWSJ: Trump orders B-1 bombers, special forces, fighter jets to Middle East amid Iran escalation
- DevelopingUS Army Launches New Round of Strikes in Iran After Trump Threats
- ConfirmedTrump discussed a short but extensive military operation in Iran, the White House weighs short-duration campaign
Source and signal
- Internal intake