Enemies By Design: How The US And USSR Shaped Each Other's Identity

By Ephraim Brown

Newly analysed satellite images reveal the deployment of at least six nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bombers to Camp Thunder Bay on Diego Garcia, a remote US military base in the Indian Ocean. The move comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran escalate over Iran’s nuclear programme and ongoing Houthi rebel attacks in Yemen.

The bombers, capable of striking deep underground targets, are seen as a key asset in any potential US or Israeli military action against Iran. Satellite imagery from Planet Labs PBC shows an increasing presence of the aircraft on Diego Garcia over the past week.

Ultimatum and Military Buildup

The deployment follows a two-month ultimatum reportedly sent by former US President Donald Trump to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, demanding concessions on Tehran’s nuclear activities. Israeli media has also speculated that Israel may strike Iranian nuclear facilities before any US-led operation.

Meanwhile, the US continues its airstrike campaign against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran. The Associated Press reported on 2 April that B-2s have previously been used in combat against the group.

Iranian Warship Near Diego Garcia

Adding to the tensions, an Iranian warship, IRIS Shahd Mahdavi, was reportedly spotted just 1 km from Diego Garcia in May 2024, according to images obtained by IntelliNews. The incident underscores the strategic importance of the base, which has long been a key staging ground for US operations in the Middle East.

Bomber Capabilities and Missile Defences

The B-2 Spirit, with a wingspan of 172 feet (52 metres), can fly 6,000 nautical miles (11,100 km) without refuelling and carry the GBU-57 "Massive Ordnance Penetrator," a 12,300 kg bunker-busting bomb designed to destroy fortified underground facilities.

The Pentagon has also confirmed the transfer of two Patriot missile batteries and one THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system from the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East, likely to be stationed in Gulf allies such as Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Escalating Strikes in Yemen

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the US has conducted over 100 airstrikes against the Houthis since 15 March. Houthi officials claim at least 17 people have been killed in the campaign.

With only 20 B-2s remaining in service after one was destroyed in a 2008 crash and another retired in 2022, the deployment signals a significant escalation in US readiness. Analysts warn that any direct conflict with Iran could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability.