US B-52 Bombers fly alongside Israeli fighter jets over the Mediterranean Sea

This week, the US military flew a B-52 bomber over the Middle East, marking the third Bomber Task Force mission ordered by Washington in the past month, but this time in coordination with Israeli fighter jets.

Officials familiar with the operation, which the US has not yet publicly acknowledged, told Al Arabiya English that the increase in such drills was aimed at sending a message to adversaries: the United States is capable of defending its interests and allies “whenever and wherever needed.”

The first mission took place in early February when two B-52s based in the UK flew over nine countries within the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility. US and partner nation fighter jets also participated. Less than 48 hours later, the US carried out a second mission with another pair of B-52 bombers from RAF Fairford in the UK, flying across Europe and six partner countries in the Middle East. This mission included aerial refueling and training exercises.

This week’s operation is the latest in a series of force posture signaling by the US as it prepares to increase pressure on Yemen’s Houthis, who were recently designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the Trump administration.

The Houthis, after a brief lull attributed to the Gaza ceasefire, have resumed targeting US fighter jets and assets. In recent weeks, they’ve launched surface-to-air missiles at US fighter jets and MQ-9 Reaper drones. This week, they claimed to have shot down an American MQ-9, which the US said it lost contact with.

Meanwhile, Israel has intensified its campaign with US officials regarding the potential bombing of Iran’s nuclear weapons program. US officials have acknowledged that Israel lacks the capabilities to carry out such an operation alone.

President Donald Trump has said Iran would never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.

The participation of Israeli fighter jets in this week’s Bomber Task Force mission, officials said, was meant to be another signal to Iran, demonstrating that the US is prepared to take action if the policy decision is made.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week. “The Secretary also conveyed that he anticipates close coordination in addressing the threats posed by Iran and pursuing opportunities for a stable region,” State Department Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth also spoke to his Israeli counterpart this week, where he reaffirmed that the US remains “100 percent committed” to Israel’s security. “Both leaders agreed that Iran remains a threat to regional security and agreed to work together on this challenge,” Pentagon Press Secretary John Ullyot said.