Deployment of B-52s to Mideast confirmed by U.S.

The U.S. deployed nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to the Middle East on Wednesday, U.S. Central Command confirmed.

Central Command said in a statement that the move was made "to underscore the U.S. military's commitment to regional security and demonstrate a unique ability to rapidly deploy overwhelming combat power on short notice.”

The deployment comes days before the one-year anniversary of the U.S. operation which killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani on Jan. 3, 2020. Reports out of the Middle East have said Iran may be planning an act of revenge for Soleimani's death.

The head of U.S. forces in the Middle East said last week that Washington is "prepared to react" if Iran launches an attack to mark the anniversary of Soleimani’s death.

"The United States continues to deploy combat-ready capabilities into the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to deter any potential adversary and make clear that we are ready and able to respond to any aggression directed at Americans or our interests," Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander of U.S. Central Command, said in a statement.