US says Iran can interpret B-2 bomber deployment

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it was up to Iran to interpret whether the recent deployment of American B-2 bombers was a message, as he expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to nuclear talks with Tehran.

“We’ll let them decide,” Hegseth told reporters when asked if the move was meant to signal Tehran. “It’s a great asset... it sends a message to everybody.”

In March, up to six B-2 bombers were sent to the US-British base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, US officials told Reuters. The deployment came amid a bombing campaign in Yemen and rising tensions with Iran.

The B-2s, which have stealth capability and can carry the US's most powerful bombs including nuclear weapons, are rarely used. The Air Force has just 20 in its fleet.

“President Trump’s been clear ... Iran should not have a nuclear bomb,” Hegseth said. “We very much hope – the President is focused on doing that peacefully.”