Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply as several U.S. Air Force B-2 bombers reportedly departed from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, heading across the Pacific. Their movement comes amid growing speculation that President Trump may authorize U.S. military involvement in Israel’s ongoing strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure.
The B-2 bombers, capable of carrying 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, are seen as a potential asset in targeting Iran’s deeply buried nuclear facility in Fordo. President Trump is expected to return to the White House on Saturday afternoon for high-level discussions with his national security team regarding possible U.S. intervention.
Earlier in the day, Israel launched a fresh wave of airstrikes targeting Iranian missile sites and a nuclear facility. In retaliation, Iran fired ballistic missiles and deployed drones toward Israeli territory. As the conflict entered its ninth day, Israel claimed that its operations had eliminated three senior commanders of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
While Iran insists its nuclear program is strictly for civilian use, Israel views Tehran’s nuclear ambitions as a direct threat. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that the recent bombing campaign has set back Iran’s nuclear capabilities by two to three years. However, key sites like Fordo remain operational and heavily fortified underground.
The international community is closely watching whether the United States will enter the conflict. Israel is reportedly urging President Trump to authorize strikes on Fordo, a move that could provoke Iranian retaliation against American forces in the region. Iran’s foreign minister has warned that any U.S. involvement would be “extremely dangerous for everyone,” underscoring the high stakes of the unfolding crisis.