The United States has deployed B-1B strategic bombers from the United Kingdom for the first time in the current conflict, prompting Iran to warn that British bases supporting the aircraft are now legitimate targets. The U.S. military says over 50,000 American troops are now deployed across the Middle East, as it completed a 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military targets. President Trump warned that Iranian attacks on commercial shipping could trigger U.S. strikes on civilian infrastructure.
The United States confirmed its 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military targets and announced that over 50,000 American troops are now deployed across the Middle East. President Trump issued a new warning that Iranian attacks on commercial shipping could trigger U.S. strikes on civilian infrastructure, expanding the potential scope of the conflict. The confirmation came as the U.S. military reported the use of B-1B strategic bombers from the United Kingdom for the first time in the campaign.
The IRGC's warnings to Britain escalated throughout Thursday afternoon. At 16:41 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that the IRGC first threatened to strike any British base hosting U.S. operations, then specifically accused Britain of allowing American bombers to take off from its bases. Within minutes, the IRGC labeled British bases as "legitimate targets" and explicitly cited RAF Fairford, the base from which the B-1 bombers departed. The threats followed an earlier IRGC warning at 16:46 Jerusalem.
The Zioneer reported earlier on Thursday that the previous night marked the first use of B-1 bombers in the conflict, striking Iranian naval and missile sites. U.S. officials confirmed the B-1 strike on IRGC targets on Tuesday, and the U.S. has been conducting intensive training sorties from RAF Fairford since mid-April. The current deployment of 50,000 troops includes additional combat medics and support personnel.
It remains unclear whether the IRGC will act on its threats to target British bases, and whether the Trump administration's warning on civilian infrastructure signals a further escalation. The situation remains fluid, with the U.S. maintaining a high readiness posture.
7 developments
- DevelopingUS B-1 bombers depart UK base again as Trump renews Iran nuclear threats
- DevelopingUS strategic bombers continue intensive training from UK base amid fragile Iran lull
- StrongEight US strategic bombers land in Middle East from UK and Germany bases overnight
- StrongUS officials confirm B-1 bomber strike on IRGC targets in Iran on Tuesday
Source and signal
- Internal intake