U.S. deploys B-1 bomber as attacks on Iran intensify

The U.S. military used a B-1 long-range bomber on Tuesday to strike Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets in Iran, U.S. officials said.

It was the first time the U.S. conducted a B-1 mission since fighting with Iran resumed 12 days ago.

Using B-1 bombers, which can carry two dozen 2,000-lb. bombs or dozens of cruise missiles, signaled a significant escalation and expansion of the U.S. military campaign.
The B-1 can fly faster than the speed of sound at low altitudes while carrying the largest bomb load of any type of bomber.
Amid a continued U.S. military build up in the region, President Trump is still considering returning to major combat operations against Iran. U.S. and Israeli officials say this could happen within days.

The B-1 launched its mission from an airbase in the UK and was spotted on online plane tracking websites.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) didn't announce the B-1 mission in its statement on Tuesday about the strikes that day.
"CENTCOM assets targeted Iranian military operations centers, maritime capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, and military logistics infrastructure to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz," the statement read.
It's unclear what the B-1 attacked and whether the massive mission was more effective than other strikes over the last few days.
The U.S. conducted several B-1 missions during Operation Epic Fury, hitting missile bases, command centers, weapons storage facilities and air defense systems.