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First Post
a day ago
- Politics
- First Post
US strikes in Iran carry a message to China against Taiwan invasion — but there's a catch
Analysts have said that US strikes on Iran's underground nuclear sites have a message for China against the invasion of Taiwan. However, they have noted that there is major catch with this approach: Unlike Iran, China already has nuclear weapons. read more A US Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber (C) is flanked by 4 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/Mike Segar/File Photo US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities carry a message to China against the invasion of Taiwan, according to analysts. China considers the self-ruled island of Taiwan a breakaway province and is committed to it reunification with the mainland — forcefully if needed. Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the military to be ready by 2027 for an invasion of Taiwan for the reunification. Analysts have said that the way US struck Iranian nuclear sites and deploy a group of bombers as decoys to Guam in the Indo-Pacific showed that the United States was capable of fielding bombers in two theatres and conducting two parallel operations. As the principal challenger in the Indo-Pacific, the message could not have been lost on China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, analysts have stressed there is a catch. Unlike Iran, China has nuclear weapons and any US-China confrontation is bound to be very different from a US-Iran confrontation. How US strikes in Iran sent a message to China Firstly, US strikes told China that its top strategic sites, such as the Central Military Commission command center and forward wartime headquarters, would not be beyond the reach of US bombs. Notably, the United States is developing 'bunker buster' bombs expected to be four times more powerful than the ones dropped on Iran last week. Secondly, the deployment of decoy bombers to the Indo-Pacific was a 'brilliant deterrence operation' and demonstrated US capabilities to operate across the world from Tehran to Taiwan, according to Miles Yu, a former State Department policy planner on China. 'This operation also served as stern warning to the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] as to what the American military is capable of, especially our ability to outsmart, outplan, out-coordinate and overpower any adversary in a long-distant global conflict, whether it's half a world away in Tehran or over the Taiwan Strait,' Yu told Washington Times. Such a message also told China that it does not 'own' the Indo-Pacific region, according to Captain Jim Fanell, a former Pacific Fleet intelligence chief at the US Navy. 'Not only did it deceive the 'open source' intelligence community and provide operational security, but it was also a very important signal that the [People's Republic of China] does not have any 'ownership' of the western Pacific, and that America is still the most dominant military force in the world,' Fanell told Washington Times. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thirdly, the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites served as the demonstration of Trump's will to intervene abroad if required and come to the aid of allies and partners. 'After the Iran strikes, I suspect that Chinese leaders will now be more nervous about testing President Trump's resolve' on Taiwan, Zack Cooper, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, told The New York Times. 'Caution is warranted, both because Trump appears more willing to use force than many expected, but also because his actions seem less predictable,' Cooper further said. But there's a catch Despite the gravity of the message that US strikes inside Iran sent to China, there is one catch: Unlike Iran, China has nuclear weapons. As China has nuclear weapons and has naval and air defence capabilities much better than Iran, any US-China confrontation is bound to be very different from US-Iran confrontation. Moreover, Israel holds a special place for the United States that Taiwan does not hold. Trump, or any other US president for that matter, may not feel the same security commitment to Taiwan as Israel. For decades, China has prepared for the invasion of Taiwan and US intervention. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chinese leaders are confident that their military is much more formidable than the weakened Iranian forces that Israeli and US forces overcame, said Stacie Pettyjohn, a Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security, according to NYT. 'The US couldn't just swoop in there with an exquisite capability and launch a limited number of strikes and win. That is something that would be very clear to Beijing,' Pettyjohn further said. In the case of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan that sees US military involvement on Taiwan's side, the destruction will be at a scale not seen since World War 2, according to a wargame by Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The CSIS exercise concluded that US-Taiwanese forces will thwart the Chinese occupation of Taiwan, but the costs will be so huge that US military will be degraded for many years. 'This defense comes at a high cost. The United States and Japan lose dozens of ships, hundreds of aircraft, and thousands of servicemembers. Such losses would damage the US global position for many years. While Taiwan's military is unbroken, it is severely degraded and left to defend a damaged economy on an island without electricity and basic services. China also suffers heavily. Its navy is in shambles, the core of its amphibious forces is broken, and tens of thousands of soldiers are prisoners of war,' the wargame's report noted. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
India Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Some B-2 bombers went West, real attackers flew East: US decoy plan to bomb Iran
The United States fooled the world and Iran before launching a precision strike on three of Tehran's most critical nuclear facilities. The secret? A carefully choreographed diversion involving B-2 stealth bombers that drew attention in one direction while the real strike force moved quietly to the actual Saturday, as part of the now-revealed operation "Midnight Hammer", a group of B-2 bombers took off from their base in Missouri and was observed heading toward Guam, a US territory in the Pacific. To military watchers, the flight looked like a clear signal: the US was preparing for a strike, but not just yet. The move was intentional — a decoy meant to attention was fixed on the Pacific, seven actual B-2 bombers began a near-silent 18-hour journey eastward. Flying under radar, limiting communications, and refuelling mid-air, these bat-winged aircraft avoided all detection as they headed straight for Iran, the US military revealed. Even US fighter jets played their part in the ruse, flying just ahead of the stealth bombers as decoys to sweep the skies for enemy aircraft and missile defences. US Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber (C) is flanked by four F-22 Raptor fighter planes. (Image: Reuters) As the B-2s neared Iranian airspace, a US submarine launched more than two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles to neutralise key defences. Moments later, the stealth bombers dropped 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, 30,000-pound bunker-busters, on three of Iran's main nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and was the largest-ever coordinated B-2 operation and the second-longest B-2 flight in history, surpassed only by those flown after 9/11 terror attack by al-Qaeda. Over 125 aircraft supported the mission, according to the according to US military officials, didn't detect the bombers and failed to launch a single countermeasure. "Iran's fighters did not fly, and it appears that Iran's surface-to-air missile systems did not see us throughout the mission. We retained the element of surprise," General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters during a press assessments indicated all three targets suffered severe damage, though Caine declined to speculate on whether Iran's nuclear program had been fully operation's secrecy extended even to Washington. "Very few people knew the timing or nature of the plan," Caine said, adding that many officials only learnt of the mission after President Donald Trump posted about it on social media late Saturday US strikes came just days after Israel launched a barrage of missiles at Iran under operation "Rising Lion".Commercial satellite images shared by news agency Reuters suggested that the US airstrike on Iran's underground Fordow nuclear facility may have caused extensive damage, potentially crippling the deeply buried site and the centrifuges used for uranium enrichment. However, nuclear experts have cautioned that the exact status of the facility remains unverified. A satellite view shows an overview of Fordow underground complex, after the US struck the underground nuclear facility in Iran. (Image: Maxar Technologies) Meanwhile, Iran, insisting its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes, also launched a barrage of missiles at Israel following the US strike which left dozens injured and caused widespread damage in Tel Aviv, with several buildings reduced to Watch
First Post
7 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites: The beginning of the West Asian endgame?
The strikes through the B-2 Bombers delivering the GBU-57 Deep Penetration bombs may have upstaged everything that has happened so far. One thing is clear: all shackles are off, and the world stands on the brink of war read more A US Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber (C) is flanked by 4 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/Mike Segar/File Photo The US B-2 Bombers bombed Iran's most secure nuclear enrichment site at Fordow in the early hours of 22 June, bringing an end to a week of speculation about whether the US will relent to Israel's request. With 30 Tomahawk missiles striking the other two prominent nuclear sites at Isfahan and Natanz simultaneously, it appears that the US has severely damaged, if not destroyed, Iran's nuclear programme for a long time, if not forever. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, what it has perhaps unleashed is an all-out conflict in West Asia, which may not be restricted to only Iran and Israel now. Initial reactions from Iran suggest that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed, and many Western and American assets in West Asia could now be targeted by Iran and its proxies in the region. How Russia, China and other Arab nations will react is yet to unfold, but one thing is clear: all shackles are off now, and the world stands on the brink of war! Global events now seem to be moving in a direction quite at odds with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's thoughtful assertion that 'this is not an era of war'. India was itself forced into a sharp but brief conflict with Pakistan following a dastardly terror attack in Kashmir on April 22, killing 26 innocent civilians. 'Operation Sindoor', launched by India, struck deep into Pakistan, causing unprecedented damage to the terror infrastructure as well as Pakistan's air and air defence capabilities. Although the conflict was called off after 96 hours, after Pakistan pleaded for an immediate ceasefire, tensions continue to simmer. Elsewhere in the globe, the situation is no better. The Russia-Ukraine war has completed three years since Russia launched 'Special Military Operations' in February 2022. Despite tall claims by US President Trump that he would end the war soon after taking over the presidency, the conflict has become more bitter in the past few weeks. The 'Operation Spider Web', launched by Ukraine on June 1, through smuggled drones into Russia, reportedly destroyed more than 40 combat aircraft of Russia, including strategic bombers and surveillance planes. Russia, in turn, has intensified ground as well as air operations in Ukraine, targeting key assets including the capital city of Kyiv. In addition, Russia has warned European countries that any direct military aid to Ukraine may draw them into the conflict as well, forcing the EU as well as other major countries in Europe to take urgent measures to upgrade their defence preparedness as well as increase their defence budgets exponentially. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In West Asia, the most conflict-ridden region since the end of World War II, the war in Gaza continues unabated. Every day brings in reports of Israeli strikes resulting in more deaths and destruction in Gaza. Latest official figures indicate that the death toll in Gaza has crossed 57,000, of which 70 per cent are women and children. Although there is no active conflict presently in neighbouring Lebanon and Syria, the undercurrent of unease and tensions continues. While the Lebanese army has assured Israel that it will keep Hezbollah on a leash, the possibility of Hezbollah's resurgence, primarily to support Iran in the future, cannot be ruled out. In Syria, although a swift military operation ousted the Assad regime in December 2024, the new government under Al Sharaa is still finding its feet, and reports of skirmishes continue. However, the most worrisome conflict is the Israel-Iran conflict. Initiated by Israel on 13th June, when Israeli strikes targeted and damaged Iran's nuclear enrichment sites in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. In addition, Israel has eliminated almost 20 of Iran's top military leadership and nuclear scientists. Iran's retaliation through missile strikes too made a significant impact in Israel by causing substantial damage in the cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel's military headquarters, Haifa port city, and the Soroka hospital in Southern Israel. But the strikes through the B-2 Bombers delivering the GBU-57 Deep Penetration bombs may have upstaged everything that has happened so far. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite threats from the US of direct military intervention into Iran and demands that Iran surrender, Iran has refused to bow down to the threats. In turn, Iran has threatened to strike US military assets spread across more than 19 locations across West Asia. Also, the threat of closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the thin lifeline of crude oil and gas flow to the world, has caused panic and alarm across the globe, as any such disruption could cause a spike in crude oil prices, adding to the inflationary trends across the world. In addition, any strikes on US assets in the region would draw in the regional Arab neighbours directly or indirectly into the conflict, something that countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have successfully avoided since October 7, 2023. Towards the Indo-Pacific, China is quietly upping the ante. Over the past year, tensions between China and Japan soared after the near-continuous deployment of Chinese advanced surveillance naval vessels in Japan's contiguous zone. Recently, Japan reported a near collision when a Chinese fighter jet from the aircraft carrier Shandong made 'abnormal approaches' to a Japanese patrol aircraft over the Pacific Ocean. Also, conflicting claims and disputes over islands and maritime assets around the South China Sea, as well as China's claims over Taiwan, are a recipe for a conflict, even through an unintended trigger. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Other regions like the Pakistan-Afghanistan border continue to remain conflict-prone, with frequent reports of cross-border skirmishes. Africa has its own share of conflicts and destruction through terror. In one recent incident, more than 150 people were killed in Nigeria's Yelewata community on June 13, when unknown assailants opened fire on villagers who were asleep. Conclusion The increasing range of conflicts in the world reflects the breakdown of the global order established after World War II. The emerging global powers like China and resurgent powers like Russia are challenging the space being ceded by the declining supremacy of the superpowers of the Cold War era. For India, this is not the time to be embroiled in any conflict. The priority is rapid and uninterrupted economic growth towards realising its vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. The swift end to Operation Sindoor may have drawn criticism from many quarters, but every day of continued conflict would have imposed costs that would have had a direct bearing on the goal of a developed and self-reliant India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Col Rajeev Agarwal is a West Asia expert and a Senior Research Consultant at Chintan Research Foundation, New Delhi. His X Handle is @rajeev1421. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
What are B-2 Stealth Bombers and why US used it to target nuclear sites in Iran
After days of speculation, the United States joined the Israel-Iran conflict after the American military struck three sites in Iran in a move that is set to escalate tensions in the Middle East. A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber (C) is flanked by 4 U.S. Marine Corps F-35 fighters.(REUTERS) US President Donald Trump, who made the announcement, said B-2 stealth bombers were used to attack three nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, calling it a historic moment for the US, Israel and the world. Though Trump stated that B-2 stealth bombers were used in the operation, the US President did not specify which types of bombs were dropped at the Iranian facilities. Also Read: 'Fordow is gone': Trump signals major blow to Iran's nuclear programme after US strikes What is the B-2 stealth bomber? B-2 stealth bomber is a first-of-its-kind arsenal in the US Air Force and has been the backbone of the American stealth technology for three decades. After its first flight in 1989, the aircraft remains one of the most survivable aircraft in the world, with the capability to penetrate the most sophisticated enemy defences, according to its manufacturer Northrop Grumman. Why Trump Deployed B-2 Bomber in Iran? There has been growing speculation ever since B-2 stealth bombers were headed to Guam on Saturday. It was being speculated that the Trump administration would use the 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator to target the underground uranium enrichment facility in Fordrow. However, the speculations were put to rest after Trump announced attacking three sites in Iran, including Fordrow, to decapitate the country's nuclear program. The B-2 is the only US fighter jet capable of carrying the Massive Ordnance Penetrator on bombing missions, with each bomber having the capability to carry two such bombs.
GMA Network
21-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
B-2 bombers moving to Guam amid Middle East tensions, US officials say
A US Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber (center) is flanked by 4 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/Mike Segar/File Photo WASHINGTON - 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 the 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. Experts and officials are closely watching to see whether the B-2 bombers will move forward to a US-British military base on the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia. Experts say that Diego Garcia is in an ideal position to operate in the Middle East. The United States had B-2 bombers on Diego Garcia up until last month, when they were replaced with B-52 bombers. Israel said on Saturday it had killed a veteran Iranian commander during attacks by both sides in the more than week-long air war, while Tehran said it would not negotiate over its nuclear program while under threat. Israel says Iran was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons, while Iran says its atomic program is only for peaceful purposes. Trump has said he would take up to two weeks to decide whether the United States should enter the conflict on Israel's side, enough time "to see whether or not people come to their senses," he said. Reuters was first to report this week the movement of a large number of tanker aircraft to Europe and other military assets to the Middle East, including the deployment of more fighter jets. An aircraft carrier in the Indo-Pacific is also heading to the Middle East. —Reuters
