The U.S. sent two B-52 bombers to the Persian Gulf on Wednesday in what is the latest show of force against Iran under the new Biden administration.
The bombers left from Louisiana's Barksdale base for a 36-hour, nonstop round-trip mission to the Middle East.
The U.S. military's Central Command said that the flight path of the bombers brought them over Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf. It was the sixth mission since November and the third this year.
The U.S. said the missions were to deter further actions from Iran.
"This long-range, short-duration defensive mission was intended to demonstrate the U.S. military's ability to deploy airpower anywhere in the world to deter potential aggression and showcase the U.S. commitment to regional security," the U.S. Central Command said.
It said the U.S. wasn't seeking conflict but was committed to responding to any "contingency" where it is needed.
The U.S. has continued to make its presence felt in the region, particularly after the anniversary of its killing of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike. U.S. intelligence reports said that Iran is committed to "avenge the killing," which could mean attacks on U.S. and U.S.-ally assets in the region.
Earlier in the month, long-range missiles - believed to be fired by Iran-backed militias - nearly hit a commercial ship in the Indian Ocean. The missile hit just 100 miles away from the U.S. Nimitz-class aircraft carrier patrolling the area.
A report from The Wall Street Journal said that a missile had damaged part of a compound owned by the Saudi Royal Family. U.S. military sources said that the attack was conducted by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Former President Donald Trump previously labeled the group as a terrorist organization.
Biden wants to negotiate with Iran and return to its nuclear deal. Trump abandoned the deal in 2018.
