U.S. military on Tuesday used a long-range strategic B-1 bomber to strike targets of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, citing U.S. officials, Axios reports, writes UNN.
This was the first time the U.S. used a B-1 bomber since the resumption of hostilities with Iran 12 days ago
The use of B-1 bombers, which can carry two dozen 900 kg bombs or dozens of cruise missiles, reportedly signaled a significant escalation and expansion of the U.S. military campaign. The B-1 can fly faster than the speed of sound at low altitudes while carrying the largest bomb load of any bomber type.
Amid the ongoing buildup of U.S. military force in the region, U.S. President Donald Trump is still considering a return to major combat operations against Iran. American and Israeli officials say this could happen within days.
Axios: Trump approaches a decisive point in the war with Iran21.07.26, 09:59
The B-1 began its mission from an airbase in the UK and was spotted on online aircraft tracking websites.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in its statement on Tuesday did not announce the B-1's strike mission for that day.
It is unclear what the B-1 attacked and whether this large-scale mission was more effective than other strikes over the past few days, the publication notes.
The U.S. conducted several B-1 missions during Operation Epic Fury, striking missile bases, command centers, weapons depots, and air defense systems.
Despite the expansion of U.S. strikes, the Iranian regime appears not to have changed its position on the Strait of Hormuz. And it continues to attack U.S. bases in the region, the publication notes.
Some U.S. defense officials claim that Iran's military capability around the Strait of Hormuz is "almost nonexistent," but others say Iran is still capable of attacking ships in the area.
On Wednesday, President Trump threatened to bomb bridges and power plants, including in Tehran, if Iran attacks more vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with threats to the infrastructure of U.S.-allied Gulf countries.
Also on Wednesday, Houthi rebels attacked Saudi vessels for the first time after announcing a blockade of Saudi ports.
Houthis claim attack on oil tankers amid 12th night of US strikes on Iran23.07.26, 09:22
A U.S. Department of Defense official said the Houthi attacks, after months of near-total non-involvement in the war, may be motivated by Iran.
The official said Iran wants to use the Houthis to create a new front in the Red Sea in addition to the Persian Gulf and to put pressure on another critical international oil shipping route.
On Wednesday, several commercial vessels passing through the Red Sea changed course to avoid transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, fearing Houthi attacks.
Oil tankers turn around in the Red Sea as Houthis threaten merchant ships - media22.07.26, 15:36
According to informed sources, U.S. officials said Qatari mediators are still negotiating with American, Iranian, and Omani officials to try to reach a new agreement to unblock the Strait of Hormuz and end hostilities.
One regional source reported that the Iranian leadership has not accepted the latest proposal put forward by the mediators.
It is unclear how much time Trump will spend on diplomatic efforts. "They are being hit so hard, and they want to make a deal," Trump said in his speech in Georgia on Wednesday evening.
"But I say they are not ready to make a deal, because every time they make a deal, they want to change it. They are not ready. They will be ready very soon," he added.