US Uses B-1 Strategic Bomber for First Time in Current Iran Escalation

On July 23, 2026, the United States military deployed a B-1 strategic long-range bomber to strike targets linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for the first time since the recent escalation began 12 days earlier. Senior US officials confirmed the B-1 bomber, capable of carrying a large payload of bombs and cruise missiles and flying at supersonic speeds at low altitude, was used in attacks against Iranian military infrastructure. The bomber took off from a US Air Force base in the United Kingdom and was tracked by flight monitoring sites, although the US Central Command (CENTCOM) did not specifically mention the B-1 in its official statement about the strikes.

CENTCOM reported that the strikes targeted Iranian army command centers, naval capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, and military logistics infrastructure to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. It remains unclear which exact targets the B-1 hit or if its involvement significantly increased the operation’s effectiveness. The US has conducted multiple B-1 missions as part of Operation Epic Fury, which has focused on missile bases, command centers, weapons depots, and air defense systems.

Despite the intensified US military actions, Iran has not altered its stance regarding the Strait of Hormuz and continues to attack US bases in the region. Some US security sources assess Iran’s military capability around the strait as minimal, though others believe Iran still poses a threat to vessels there. President Donald Trump warned he might bomb bridges and power stations, including in Tehran, if Iran persists in attacking ships. Iran responded by threatening to target infrastructure in US-allied Gulf states.

In a related development, Houthi rebels in Yemen attacked Saudi vessels for the first time since imposing a naval blockade on Saudi ports. US officials suspect Iran is directing the Houthis to open a new front in the Red Sea, adding pressure on another critical oil shipping route. Several commercial ships altered their routes to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb Strait amid fears of Houthi attacks.

Diplomatic efforts continue, with Qatari mediators engaging US, Iranian, and Omani officials to negotiate reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending hostilities. However, Iranian leadership has yet to accept the latest proposals. President Trump indicated that while Iran is suffering heavy blows and desires a deal, it is not yet ready to finalize one but may be soon.