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June 21, 2025, International Desk: The United States’ advanced B-2 stealth bombers are advancing toward the Guam base in the Pacific, fueling speculation about a potential strike on Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear facility. According to a New York Times report, on Saturday, 2 to 4 B-2 bombers and 6 refueling aircraft departed from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri toward Guam’s naval base.
Israeli media outlet Haaretz reported that it remains unclear whether these aircraft will proceed to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. Diego Garcia, a joint U.S.-U.K. military base, is approximately 3,500 kilometers from Iran and is considered an ideal location for Middle East operations. In March, the U.S. deployed six B-2 bombers there, which were used in airstrikes in Yemen.
The B-2 stealth bomber is the only aircraft in the world capable of carrying heavy “bunker buster” bombs and striking deep underground nuclear facilities like Fordow, located 30 kilometers north of Qom under a mountain.
The New York Times noted that launching an attack from Diego Garcia would require British approval, but no such permission is needed for operations from Guam, which is 12,800 kilometers from Fordow.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that he would decide within the next two weeks whether to launch an attack on Iran. While advocating for a peaceful resolution, he has also threatened to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israeli officials have indicated that if the U.S. delays its decision, Israel may conduct a covert operation on Fordow without American support.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Israeli forces are capable of striking all of Iran’s nuclear facilities, including Fordow. However, whether the U.S. military will assist in such an attack depends entirely on Trump’s decision.
Analysts suggest that Trump’s mixed messages and history of postponing deadlines on various issues are adding uncertainty to the Iran situation
AI/MR
