The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the arrival of B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers in the Middle East.

CENTCOM stated in a post on the platform "X": "The arrival of B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base to the area of responsibility of U.S. Central Command.

Earlier on Friday, the U.S. Department of Defense (the Pentagon) announced that it would deploy B-52 bombers, fighter jets, and refueling aircraft, in addition to naval destroyers, to the Middle East as part of the realignment of U.S. military assets in the region.

The Pentagon spokesman, Pat Ryder, stated in a statement that these new operations are in addition to the recent decision to deploy the THAAD missile defense system in Israel, noting that U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin "continues to emphasize that if Iran or its partners or proxies use this moment to target U.S. personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take all necessary measures to defend its people.