The Iranian military is urging a preemptive strike on the joint US-British base in the Indian Ocean, where the US has deployed strategic bombers, in an attempt to prevent their use against Tehran. The Telegraph reported on Monday night that senior Iranian commanders had been told to prepare to act against the base if threats from Trump escalated. "Senior commanders were instructed to attack the base if Trump's threats became more serious," the Iranian official said. "Discussions about the island have intensified since the Americans stationed their bombers there." The article described the potential strike as "immediate."
The Iranian official also said that "some suggest missiles should be launched toward the island, not to hit anything, but to fall into the sea in order to send a clear message to the Americans that we are serious."
This report follows a similar threat published by the Telegraph the day before, in which Iran warned it could strike the US base in the Indian Ocean, claiming it possesses the weaponry to do so. "There will be no distinction in attacks on British or American forces if Iran is attacked from any base in the region or within range of Iranian missiles," the official told the British paper. "When the time comes, it won't matter if you're an American, British or Turkish soldier – you will be a target if your base is being used by the Americans."
Diego Garcia is a British-controlled island in the Indian Ocean that houses a strategic joint US-British military base. Located about 3,800 kilometers (2,360 miles) from Iran, the island lies beyond the estimated 2,000-kilometer (1,240-mile) range of Iranian ballistic missiles. In the past, the base has served as a launch point for major military operations, including during the wars in Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003).
Reports in recent days have indicated a significant and unusual deployment of B-2 bombers to the island, with updated satellite images showing at least five bombers currently stationed at the island's airbase after arriving from their home base in Missouri. Additional satellite imagery and open-source intelligence also point to an unusual buildup of refueling and transport aircraft at US airbases in the region. These planes are essential for supporting bomber missions.
The B-2 is the most advanced bomber in the US arsenal, noted for its exceptional stealth capabilities. Its significance in the Iranian context lies in its ability to carry the 14-ton "bunker buster" MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator) bomb, developed specifically to target fortified underground bunkers.
Meanwhile, the USS Carl Vinson strike group has left Guam and is heading toward the Middle East. It will join the USS Harry Truman, which has been taking part in operations against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen since March 15. Today, open-source intelligence bloggers reported that the Carl Vinson had reached the coast of the Philippines, signaling its advance toward the region.
On Sunday, President Trump threatened Iran with "bombings the likes of which have never been seen" if Tehran failed to reach a deal. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei responded on Tuesday, saying: "They threaten to commit acts of evil, and while we do not believe that external evil acts will necessarily happen, if they do, they will certainly suffer a strong reciprocal blow. And if they attempt to ignite unrest within the country, as they have in recent years, the Iranian people themselves will respond."
As tensions escalate and the rhetoric of war intensifies, Israel Hayom reported that indirect talks had been held between the US and Iran about setting a framework for negotiations on a new nuclear agreement. According to two diplomatic sources familiar with the talks, the goal is to prevent a US strike on Iran and halt its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
