The United States has deployed B-2 stealth bombers to participate in the US's Operation Epic Fury against the Iranian regime, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday.
According to CENTCOM, the B-2s will be used to deliver long-range fire to "eliminate the threat from the Iranian regime today, [and] eliminate their ability to rebuild in the future."
Over 2,000 US Marines deployed to Middle East
The US additionally dispatched the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East, which includes about 2,200 Marines aboard three US Navy amphibious assault ships, according to an ABC News report on Friday.
This force includes a squadron of F‑35 fighter jets and tiltrotor MV‑22 Osprey aircraft, two US officials told ABC.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, the Japan-based USS Tripoli is included in the ships headed towards the Middle East.
The deployment will contribute to the already heavy US military presence in the region, as the conflict with Iran continues to affect global trade routes and raise concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
According to the ABC report, the deployment does not indicate that the Marines will be involved in any potential ground combat operations in Iran, but the forces may be positioned to provide additional air, land, and sea assets.