IRGC Plans to Build Permanent Base in the Indian Ocean

The IRGC naval force, which often operates in tandem with the Iranian Navy, will build a permanent base in the Indian Ocean.  AFP via IRIB, HO
The IRGC naval force, which often operates in tandem with the Iranian Navy, will build a permanent base in the Indian Ocean. AFP via IRIB, HO
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IRGC Plans to Build Permanent Base in the Indian Ocean

The IRGC naval force, which often operates in tandem with the Iranian Navy, will build a permanent base in the Indian Ocean.  AFP via IRIB, HO
The IRGC naval force, which often operates in tandem with the Iranian Navy, will build a permanent base in the Indian Ocean. AFP via IRIB, HO

The naval forces of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) plan to build a permanent base in the Indian Ocean by the end of the year, Navy Commander Admiral Alireza Tangsiri told state-run Fars news agency.

This falls under the goals put by Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

“Building a permanent marine base will improve security in the mouth of the Indian Ocean that will also be of great help to the growing presence of Iranian fishing and fishing development in the region,” he said.

The IRGC commander said that through its presence in the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean, “the IRGC will no longer leave any room for such acts of infringement.”

"The deployment of the fleet by the IRGC navy to distant waters has been done in the past, and our second fleet was also sent to the waters of the Indian Ocean," he concluded.



B-2 Bombers Moving to Guam amid Middle East Tensions, US Officials Say

A US Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber (C) is flanked by four US Marine Corps F-35 fighters during a flyover of military aircraft down the Hudson River and New York Harbor past York City, and New Jersey, US, July 4, 2020. (Reuters)
A US Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber (C) is flanked by four US Marine Corps F-35 fighters during a flyover of military aircraft down the Hudson River and New York Harbor past York City, and New Jersey, US, July 4, 2020. (Reuters)
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B-2 Bombers Moving to Guam amid Middle East Tensions, US Officials Say

A US Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber (C) is flanked by four US Marine Corps F-35 fighters during a flyover of military aircraft down the Hudson River and New York Harbor past York City, and New Jersey, US, July 4, 2020. (Reuters)
A US Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber (C) is flanked by four US Marine Corps F-35 fighters during a flyover of military aircraft down the Hudson River and New York Harbor past York City, and New Jersey, US, July 4, 2020. (Reuters)

The United States is moving B-2 bombers to the Pacific island of Guam, two US officials told Reuters on Saturday, as President Donald Trump weighs whether the United States should take part in Israel's strikes against Iran.

It was unclear whether the bomber deployment is tied to Middle East tensions.

The B-2 can be equipped to carry America's 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, designed to destroy targets deep underground. That is the weapon that experts say could be used to strike Iran's nuclear program, including Fordow.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, declined to disclose any further details. One official said no forward orders had been given yet to move the bombers beyond Guam. They did not say how many B-2 bombers are being moved.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.