Iran must decide for itself whether the deployment of American B-2 strategic bombers in the Indian Ocean represents a message to Tehran. This was stated by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegsett, quoted by "Reuters".
According to US officials, at least six B-2 bombers were moved in March to the US-British base on the island of Diego Garcia - a strategic point used for operations in the Middle East. This is happening against the backdrop of an intensive US air campaign in Yemen and increased tensions with Iran.
The US has only 20 B-2s in its inventory, making their deployment a signal with serious symbolic and operational significance. The planes are equipped with "stealth" technology and can carry nuclear weapons, as well as the 13,600-kilogram GBU-57 "Bunker Buster" bomb, designed to destroy underground targets - potentially Iranian nuclear sites.
"We will let Iran decide for itself whether this is a message to them," Hegseth said during a visit to Panama. He stressed that President Donald Trump is seeking a diplomatic solution, but will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.
On Monday, Trump surprisingly announced that the United States and Iran are ready for direct negotiations on the nuclear issue, which will begin as early as Saturday. Iran, however, has been pushing for indirect talks in Oman, highlighting the differences in the two countries' positions.
On Wednesday, Trump reiterated that the United States is prepared to use force if Iran does not abandon its nuclear ambitions.
"I don't want much... but they can't have nuclear weapons. If necessary, we will act militarily. Israel will probably be the leader in this, but we make the decisions ourselves," he said.
Iran denies developing nuclear weapons and insists its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. However, the West suspects Tehran is enriching uranium to levels beyond peaceful energy needs.