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FRANK26: "WE WANT TO DROP LEAFLETS OF PEACE NOT BOMBS"..........F26
US Defense Secretary threatens Iran with B-2 bomber message
4/10/2025
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday that Iran is the one who decides whether the recent US move to deploy B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean is a message to Tehran, expressing his hope that US-Iranian negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program will lead to a peaceful solution.
US officials told Reuters that Washington had moved up to six B-2 bombers in March to a US-British military base on Diego Garcia, amid a US bombing campaign in Yemen and escalating tensions with Iran.
The B-2 is a rare military asset, with only 20 of these aircraft in the US Air Force. It is distinguished by its ability to evade radar and carry heavy bombs and nuclear weapons.
When Hegseth was asked whether the deployment of the bombers was intended to send a message to Iran, he said: "We'll let them decide. It's a great asset. It sends a message to everyone."
During his visit to Panama, he added, "President Trump has been clear: Iran must not have a nuclear bomb. We very much hope that the president will focus on achieving this peacefully."
US President Donald Trump unexpectedly announced on Monday that the United States and Iran would hold direct talks on Iran's nuclear program next Saturday, warning that Iran would be in "great danger" if the talks failed.