U.S. strategic bomber B-2 Spirit [EPA=Yonhap News]

The United States announced on the 1st (local time) that it recently deployed the B-2 strategic bomber in airstrikes against Iran.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East, stated via X (formerly Twitter) on the same day, "Last night, U.S. B-2 stealth bombers equipped with 2,000-pound (approximately 907 kg) bombs struck Iran's hardened ballistic missile facilities."

It added, "No nation should doubt America's resolve."

CENTCOM also released a 23-second video accompanying the post, showing fighter jets taking off and flying.

Citing a senior U.S. government official, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that B-2 bombers took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and successfully dropped bombs on their targets.

The B-2 is a long-range strategic bomber capable of reaching anywhere in the world non-stop through aerial refueling, earning it the nickname 'Silent Assassin'.

CENTCOM also announced that U.S. military assets, including LUCAS drones, known as 'suicide drones,' Patriot air defense missiles, THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) ballistic missile defense systems, F-18, F-16, F-22 fighter jets, A-10 attack aircraft, F-35 stealth fighters, and A-10 attack aircraft, were deployed in connection with the operations against Iran.

Additionally, EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft, Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, airborne communication relays, P-8 anti-submarine patrol aircraft, RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft, MQ-9 Reaper drones, M-142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers, drone defense systems, aerial tankers, refueling ships, C-17 Globemaster transporters, and C-130 transporters were also involved.

The military specified that the main targets of the military operation against Iran included Iranian military command and control centers, headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Aerospace Force, integrated air defense systems, ballistic missile bases, naval vessels and submarines, anti-ship missile bases, and military communication networks.

CENTCOM stated, "Yesterday, we cut off the head of the snake through a large-scale U.S. airstrike," adding, "The United States possesses the most powerful military on Earth, and the IRGC no longer has a headquarters."

CENTCOM also refuted claims made by Iran's Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeed Iravani, at the UN Security Council the previous day that Iran's retaliatory response would target only U.S. bases and military assets, calling them "false."

It further stated, "The Iranian regime actively targets civilians and has attacked over ten locations, including Dubai International Airport, Kuwait International Airport, Erbil International Airport in Iraq, the Burj Al Arab Hotel and Fairmont The Palm Hotel in Dubai, the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Bahrain, residential areas in Tel Aviv, Israel, and residential areas in Bahrain and Qatar."