Iran slams US deployment of B-52 bombers as ‘destabilising’

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Monday criticised what he called the United States’ “destabilising presence” after the deployment of B-52 bombers in the region.

“We have always believed that the presence of America in the region is a destabilising presence,” said Baghaei told a press conference in response to a question about the deployment, adding that it “will not deter [Iran’s] resolve to defend itself”.

The US military announced on Saturday the deployment of B-52 bombers to the Middle East as a warning to Iran which has vowed to respond to Israeli strikes on its military sites on October 26.

Israel’s attack was in retaliation for an October 1 Iranian missile barrage, itself retaliation for the killing of Iran-backed militant leaders and a Revolutionary Guards commander.

At least four soldiers were killed in the strikes which also caused “limited damage” to a few radar systems, officials said at the time. Iranian media also reported that a civilian was killed.

Baghaei said Iran’s response would be “definite and decisive”.