US Keeps B-2 Stealth Bombers And Naval Forces On Standby As Tensions With Iran Rise

According to an Anadolu English report of Saturday 14 of February 2026, long‑range United States (U.S.) military aircraft, including B‑2 stealth bombers, have been placed on a heightened alert status as the Pentagon continues to deploy forces across the Middle East.

A senior U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity alleged that the increased readiness of the bombers was ordered nearly a month ago.

The B‑2s, which are based in the US, remain capable of conducting strikes on Iranian nuclear or ballistic missile targets if President Donald Trump decides that diplomatic efforts have failed and military action is necessary.

Mr. Trump warned last month that Washington could carry out military strikes “if it refused to agree to curb its nuclear programme.” Senior national security officials urged the president to wait until U.S. forces in the region were better postured both offensively and defensively.

U.S. commanders say that the roughly 30,000 to 40,000 American troops stationed at multiple bases in the Middle East required more air defences to protect against possible retaliation.

At sea, the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group leads naval forces deployed in the Arabian Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and the eastern Mediterranean. The carrier’s F‑35 fighters and F/A‑18 attack jets are within range of Iranian targets, and Washington has also sent additional F‑15E aircraft to the area.

Military analysts note that increases in aerial refueling tankers and the deployment of EA‑18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft often accompany preparations for large operations. These Growlers are aboard the Lincoln, and U.S. Central Command has recently flown some to a base in Jordan. Trackers also indicate that refueling and reconnaissance planes are moving closer to the theatre.

Another sign of potential offensive planning would be repositioning a ballistic missile submarine so it could launch Tomahawk cruise missiles at targets inside Iran. Such a move would require the vessel to surface through the Suez Canal, making it visible to observers — but this has not yet occurred, according to the report

White House spokesperson, Anna Kelly, said that President Trump “has all options on the table with regard to Iran,” and that the president would make decisions based on U.S. national security interests.

Iran maintains its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes, and U.S. officials described the military buildup as a measure to ensure readiness and deter reprisal if negotiations collapse.

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