The United States deployed a B-1 strategic bomber to strike Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets in Iran on Tuesday, according to senior American officials. It is the first use of the heavy bomber since the US resumed strikes against Iran 12 days ago.
The United States used a B-1 Lancer strategic bomber to strike Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets in Iran on Tuesday, senior American officials have confirmed. The confirmation, reported by Barak Ravid (N12), specifies the aircraft type for the first time in the current campaign, which resumed 12 days ago. The B-1 is a long-range, supersonic heavy bomber capable of carrying a large payload of precision munitions.
The Zioneer first reported at 06:31 Jerusalem today (Thursday) that a strategic bomber had been used in the strikes, based on earlier reports. Those reports evolved overnight: at 06:59 Jerusalem on Wednesday, Ravid cited a single American official stating that a B-1B Lancer took part in the overnight strikes. Subsequently, multiple US officials confirmed the B-1's involvement, and later reports characterized the aircraft as a strategic bomber. The initial reports did not specify the aircraft type.
The deployment of a B-1 bomber marks a significant escalation in the US air campaign against Iran. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier today that the Trump administration had ordered B-1 bombers, along with special forces and fighter jets, to the Middle East amid rising tensions. The strikes on Tuesday were part of the 12th consecutive night of US operations, as The Zioneer reported, targeting Iranian military infrastructure including IRGC bases in Bushehr and missile launchers in Hamadan.
The specific mission parameters, targets hit, and damage assessment remain undisclosed. No further details on the B-1's payload or exact targets were provided by the officials.
12 developments
- StrongWSJ: Trump orders B-1 bombers, special forces, fighter jets to Middle East amid Iran escalation
- StrongReport: US informs Israel of plan to escalate strikes on Iran, target Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site with heavy bombers
- DevelopingReport: US deploys new multi-dimensional pressure strategy on Iran, combining strikes, economic, diplomatic levers
- DevelopingUS launching widespread airstrikes across all of Iran
Source and signal
- Internal intake