U.S. Bombers Step Up Flyovers Near Iran

U.S. bombers have carried out their second flyover in the Middle East within 48 hours at a time of growing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.

The B-52s, deployed from Royal Air Force Base Fairford in the United Kingdom, flew over six U.S.-aligned countries in the region, accompanied by a fighter escort from one regional nation, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

Newsweek has reached out to CENTCOM for comment via email.

Why It Matters

The bomber flights come as U.S. President Donald Trump‘s administration seeks to halt Iran’s uranium enrichment although Trump has said he would prefer diplomatic negotiations rather than military intervention. The increased military presence in the region could signal Washington’s intent to pressure Tehran. CENTCOM announced the Middle East flyover on their X account as well.

CENTCOM Conducts Second Bomber Task Force Mission in Two Days

For the second time within 48 hours, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted another Bomber Task Force Mission in the Middle East, Feb. 20, demonstrating force projection capabilities and partner nation integration… pic.twitter.com/5BG4oaBiWU

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 20, 2025

What to Know

On Tuesday, another pair of B-52s took off from Fairford and flew over the airspace of nine Middle Eastern countries, escorted by fighter aircraft from four nations in the region. CENTCOM officials declined to disclose which countries participated, citing diplomatic sensitivities.

Pressure on Iran

Tensions between Iran and U.S. ally Israel are also high. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the weekend that, with Trump’s support, his government would “finish the job” against Iran though without specifying exactly what that meant.

Uranium Enrichment

Iran has steadily increased its uranium enrichment since Trump withdrew from a deal known as known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. The JCPOA had previously limited Iran’s uranium purity levels, but Tehran has since built up its enriched stockpile, significantly reducing the time required to produce a nuclear weapon should its leadership decide to proceed.

The head of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, said this week that Tehran is expected to amass approximately 250 kilograms of enriched uranium by next month.

U.S. Bombers in flight — U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses fly in formation over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in the Arabian peninsula, Feb. 20, 2025.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. William Rio Rosado

What People Are Saying

CENTCOM said on X: “For the second time within 48 hours, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted another Bomber Task Force Mission in the Middle East, Feb. 20, demonstrating force projection capabilities and partner nation integration in the region.”

Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran Armed Forces: “If Iran’s security is threatened, the security of the entire Southwest Asian region, the creators of insecurity, and their regional allies will be threatened,” he cautioned.

U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz told Fox News: If Iranian leaders seek sanctions relief, they should “give up their entire [nuclear enrichment] program” and “not play games as we’ve seen Iran do in the past.”

What Happens Next

Israeli officials have urged the Trump administration to strengthen U.S. military and diplomatic commitments in the region to counter Iran’s influence. Israel’s outgoing army chief, Herzi Halevi, met with top Pentagon officials this week, including CENTCOM Commander General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, a candidate to become Trump’s next top military adviser.