United States Central Command on Tuesday released fresh images of pre-flight checks on the B-2 Spirit, offering a rare operational glimpse as the United States intensifies its air campaign against Iran and signals that further escalation could be imminent.In a post on X, CENTCOM said, “US Air Force crew chiefs perform pre-flight checks on a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber prior to a mission in support of Operation Epic Fury.” The visuals show ground crews inspecting the aircraft before deployment, highlighting the precision and preparation behind missions involving one of the world’s most advanced bombers.The timing of the release is significant. It comes amid rising tensions in West Asia, with Washington ramping up strikes on Iran’s missile infrastructure and issuing fresh warnings that more action could follow.Trump‘s Tueday deadline loomsDonald Trump has sharpened his stance against Iran, setting a firm deadline linked to the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.Speaking to reporters, Trump warned that Tehran must comply within a 48-hour window or face consequences. He also raised concerns about weapons allegedly sent to Iranian protesters earlier this year that never reached them.“I am upset with a certain group of people and they will pay a big price,” Trump said.On ceasefire efforts, Trump indicated that Iran had made an offer but dismissed it as inadequate. “It’s a significant step. It’s not good enough,” he said, adding that the conflict could end quickly if Iran meets US conditions.Trump has also suggested that Iran could be “taken out” in a single night, underlining the scale of military options being considered. The deadline, set for Tuesday evening US time, has added urgency to an already volatile situation.Pete Hegseth on IranPete Hegseth reinforced the administration’s aggressive posture, warning that the scale of US strikes is set to increase further.“Per the president’s direction, today will be the largest volume of strikes since day one of this operation. Tomorrow, even more than today. And then Iran has a choice. Choose wisely, because this president does not play around,” Hegseth said.His remarks suggest that the US is preparing for sustained and possibly intensified bombardment if diplomatic efforts fail.Trump, meanwhile, claimed that US forces have already carried out over 10,000 combat flights and struck more than 13,000 targets in recent weeks, pointing to a large-scale and expanding air campaign.Iran rejects peace planIran has pushed back against US pressure, rejecting proposals for a temporary ceasefire and signalling readiness to continue the conflict.Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said earlier US proposals were “extremely excessive and unusual and illogical,” adding that Tehran had conveyed its own conditions through intermediaries.“Iran does not hesitate to clearly express what it considers its legitimate demands,” he said.Baghaei also stressed that diplomacy cannot proceed under military pressure. “Any diplomatic talks are ‘absolutely incompatible with ultimatums, crimes, and threats to commit war crimes,’” he said.Iranian officials have made it clear that they are not open to a temporary truce, arguing that such a pause would allow adversaries to regroup. Military spokespersons have also indicated that Iran is prepared for a prolonged conflict.Inside the latest deploymentAgainst this backdrop, the deployment of B-2 bombers has taken centre stage in Washington’s strategy. The aircraft has been used to target deeply buried missile facilities, signalling a shift towards dismantling Iran’s strategic infrastructure.White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt recently confirmed that B-2 bombers had “dropped 2,000-pound bombs” on underground missile-related sites.“The United States military is now moving to dismantle Iran’s missile production,” she said.While details of the strikes remain undisclosed, the use of B-2 bombers points to a focus on hardened targets that are otherwise difficult to destroy.What makes the B-2 bomber uniqueThe B-2 Spirit is among the most advanced aircraft ever built, designed to evade detection and operate deep within hostile airspace.Its flying-wing design and radar-absorbing materials reduce its visibility across multiple detection systems, allowing it to penetrate heavily defended zones.With a crew of just two pilots, the aircraft can carry up to 40,000 pounds of ordnance and has an unrefuelled range of around 6,000 nautical miles. This enables it to carry out long-range missions directly from bases in the United States.The role of bunker-buster bombsA defining feature of the B-2 is its ability to carry the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a powerful “bunker buster” designed to destroy underground facilities.These bombs penetrate deep below the surface before detonating, making them effective against fortified nuclear sites and missile storage facilities.
Their use has been closely linked to efforts to target Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure, which has long been a point of contention between Washington and Tehran.A record of precision strikesThe B-2 has a long operational history, having been deployed in conflicts ranging from Kosovo to Afghanistan and Iraq.In recent operations involving Iran, the aircraft has reportedly been used to strike key sites such as Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan, all known for their hardened structures.Its ability to deliver precise, high-impact strikes has made it a central asset in the US military’s arsenal.What is Washington planning next?The release of pre-flight images, coupled with escalating rhetoric from US leadership, suggests that Washington is preparing for the next phase of its campaign.With deadlines issued warnings intensified and diplomatic efforts faltering, the possibility of expanded strikes appears increasingly likely.At the same time, the deployment of B-2 bombers sends a clear strategic message: the United States retains the capability to strike high-value targets deep inside hostile territory.As tensions continue to rise, the coming days could prove decisive in determining whether the conflict escalates further or moves towards a negotiated settlement.
