A water tower is silhouetted against smoke rising from a fire following a reported strike in Behbahan, Khuzestan Province, Iran, in this still image obtained from social media video released July 22, 2026. (Credit: Social Media/Reuters)
BEIRUT — The U.S. military used a B-1 long-range bomber to strike targets belonging to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Tuesday, marking the first deployment of the aircraft since fighting with Iran resumed 12 days ago, Axios reported, citing U.S. officials.
According to Axios, the bomber flew from a U.K. airbase and was used as part of an expanded U.S. campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure. The U.S. Central Command said its forces struck military operations centers, maritime capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage sites and logistics infrastructure, but did not disclose that a B-1 had been involved.
Axios said the use of the B-1, which can carry a large payload of bombs and cruise missiles, signals a significant escalation in U.S. military operations. U.S. and Israeli officials told the outlet President Donald Trump is still considering a broader military campaign against Iran in the coming days.
The report added that, despite the intensified strikes, Iran has continued threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and attacking U.S. bases in the region. Meanwhile, Houthi attacks on Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea have raised concerns that Tehran is seeking to open an additional front through its Yemeni allies, Axios reported.
Qatari mediators are continuing talks with U.S., Iranian and Omani officials in an effort to restore maritime security and halt the fighting, although Iranian leaders have yet to accept the latest proposal, according to Axios.
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