US B-52 Bombers Leave UK After Months Supporting Strikes on Iran

Several US Air Force B-52 bombers have departed their base in the United Kingdom and returned to the United States after being stationed there for several months. The bombers were deployed as part of a joint US-Israel operation targeting Iran and participated in airstrikes during this period. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) declined to comment on the reports.

The withdrawal of the B-52s comes amid ongoing indirect talks between the US and Iran aimed at ending hostilities, although recent exchanges of fire indicate the conflict has not fully ceased. According to the news site TWZ, the removal of the bombers signals the conclusion of a deployment cycle intended to support the campaign against Iran. During their stay in the UK, the B-52s reportedly conducted frequent strikes on Iranian targets, with the US claiming to have hit approximately 13,000 targets overall, though it is unclear how many were struck by these specific bombers.

Despite the timing of the bombers' departure coinciding with a round of indirect negotiations, there is no indication of significant progress toward a peace agreement. Reuters reported that the talks focused on issues previously addressed two weeks earlier. TWZ also noted that the exit of the B-52s does not rule out the possibility of new strategic airstrikes ordered by then-President Trump. The US Air Force retains the capability to deploy B-52s, B-1s, and B-2 bombers directly from the US for future operations against Iran, as demonstrated in prior missions such as Operation "Epic Roar."