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US Deploys B-52 in Epic Fury as Iran Launches 51st Missile Wave

The US Air Force has deployed a B-52 Stratofortress on a night mission as part of Operation Epic Fury, aimed at countering Iranian threats. This comes as Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps launched its 51st wave of missile strikes, targeting US installations like the Al Kharj Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the UK is reportedly considering redirecting advanced "Octopus" interceptor drone systems from Ukraine to the Middle East to counter Iranian drones. The widening conflict, which began with US-Israeli airstrikes in late February, continues to threaten global energy supplies and regional security.

Key Points: US B-52 Deployed, Iran Strikes in Escalating Gulf Conflict

  • US B-52 deploys in Operation Epic Fury
  • Iran launches 51st missile wave against US bases
  • UK mulls sending interceptor drones to Middle East
  • Conflict threatens global oil and gas supplies
  • Strait of Hormuz passage a key concern
2 min read

US Air Force deploys B-52 as Operation Epic Fury continues

US Air Force launches B-52 mission in Operation Epic Fury as Iran conducts major missile strikes. UK considers drone redeployment amid escalating Gulf tensions.

"For the region to be secure, the United States should not be there. - Masoud Pezeshkian"

Florida, March 15

The United States Central Command said a US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress took off for a night mission as part of Operation Epic Fury, aimed at "eliminating threats" posed by the Iranian "regime" and preventing the Persian Gulf country from rebuilding its capabilities in the future.

CENTCOM said strikes from US forces continue to be unpredictable, dynamic, and decisive.

The conflict in West Asia has widened with the US, Israel and Iran targeting each other's energy targets, threatening the global supply of oil and gas.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also considering deploying thousands of interceptor drones to the Middle East, according to a report by The Telegraph published on Saturday.

The newspaper indicated that UK defence officials are evaluating the possibility of redirecting cutting-edge equipment initially intended for Eastern Europe to meet new regional demands.

Specifically, military experts are assessing if the "Octopus" interceptor anti-drone system, produced in the UK to support Ukraine in countering Russian threats, could be repurposed to strengthen British protection against Iran's Shahed drones.

This consideration for advanced drone deployment comes as US President Donald Trump has issued a call to the United Kingdom and other international partners to deploy naval forces to assist in maintaining the passage of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has carried out the 51st wave of Operation True Promise 4, launching a barrage of missile strikes against US military installations throughout the region as a reprisal for continuing American-Israeli hostilities, state broadcaster Press TV reported.

The IRGC stated that the latest phase of the offensive utilised a strategic mix of liquid-fuel and solid-fuel missiles. These weapons were directed at US terrorist army forces stationed at the Al Kharj Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, said the United States must leave West Asia for the region to achieve security as the tensions in the Gulf continue to escalate.

In a post on X, Pezeshkian said, "In short: For the region to be secure, the United States should not be there."

The current confrontation began on February 28 when US-Israeli airstrikes killed senior Iranian officials and commanders. Since then, Iranian armed forces have launched daily missile and drone operations targeting locations in Israeli-held territories as well as US military bases and assets across the region.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The deployment of B-52s is a massive escalation. "Unpredictable and dynamic" strikes sound like a recipe for miscalculation. This feels like a powder keg waiting to explode, and the whole world will feel the economic shockwaves.
P
Priyanka N
While Iran's actions are concerning, the US policy of "eliminating threats" through endless military operations hasn't brought stability to West Asia in 20+ years. Maybe it's time for a different approach? Constant intervention seems to create more problems than it solves.
A
Aman W
Our focus should be on how this impacts us. Millions of Indian citizens work in the Gulf countries. Their safety is paramount. The MEA must be proactive in evacuation plans if things go south. Jai Hind.
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Michael C
The tech angle is interesting. Redirecting the "Octopus" drone system from Ukraine to the Gulf shows how quickly defense priorities shift. It's an endless arms race.
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Kavya N
Pezeshkian has a point, even if it's simplistic. Foreign military presence is often seen as the root cause of tension. But will Iran guarantee regional security if the US leaves? That's the big question. Complex situation yaar.

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