Several U.S. B-2 bombers departed Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri on Saturday, June 21. They are heading toward Andersen Air Force Base in Guam after refueling midair, according to a flight tracker called Aircraft Spots.
President Donald Trump is expected to return to the White House on Saturday for discussions with the National Security Council to talk about potentially joining Israel in its attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites, The New York Times reported.
“I have a message directly from the president, and I quote: ‘Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,’” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a Thursday, June 21, briefing.
Lawmakers from both parties have pushed to avoid the United States’ involvement in the conflict.
About the B-2
The B-2 bomber remains the sole aircraft capable of deploying a bomb powerful enough to destroy Iran’s Fordow nuclear enrichment facility, which is buried beneath a mountain. Parts of the facility are estimated to be as deep as 300 feet below ground, according to Israeli assessments.
The Fordow site drew global attention after the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed uranium enrichment levels reached 83.7%, which is near the 90% threshold required for nuclear weapons. U.S. and Israeli officials consider disabling Fordow crucial to curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Trump emphasized that he does not favor authorizing a strike unless absolutely necessary. That approach aligns with his campaign promise to avoid involving the U.S. in new wars.