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US B-52 bombers fly over Middle East amid tensions with Iran
The bombers took off from the Royal Air Force base at Fairford, England, and flew over the eastern Mediterranean, the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea.
10 former Pentagon chiefs warn Trump on involving military in pursuing election claims
All 10 living former secretaries of defense signed on to an opinion article that implicitly questioned Trump’s willingness to follow his constitutional duty to peacefully relinquish power on Jan. 20.
By Robert Burns, The Associated Press
US to move aircraft carrier Nimitz out of Mideast amid Iran tension
The decision emerged one day after the U.S. flew B-52 bombers to the Persian Gulf in a show of force that was intended to caution Iran against carrying out attacks against U.S. forces or interests.
By Robert Burns, The Associated Press
Air Force B-52s fly from Minot to Persian Gulf in round-trip mission to caution Iran
A senior U.S. military officer said the flight by two Air Force B-52s was in response to signals that Iran may be planning attacks against U.S. allied targets in Iraq or elsewhere in the region in coming days.
By Robert Burns, The Associated Press
ISIS attack hits Kabul as Pompeo joins Afghanistan peace talks
Meanwhile, the U.S. military announced a sudden visit to the Mideast by long-range, nuclear-capable B-52H bombers, underlining America's continuing presence in the region.
Ahead of Biden presidency, Pompeo touts Iran policy during Persian Gulf visit
In what was likely his final tour of the Persian Gulf as secretary of state, Mike Pompeo touted the Trump administration's Mideast strategy that focused on Iran as “the central threat inside the region."
By Aya Batrawy, The Associated Press
Top US general in the Mideast says ISIS in Iraq and Syria still long-term threat
While no longer a major security threat, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie said ISIS is never going to be defeated unless the international community can address the indoctrination of refugees displaced by years of war.
By Robert Burns, The Associated Press
US Navy issues new distance guidelines for vessels after close encounters with Iranian ships
The U.S. Navy warned Tuesday it will take "lawful defensive measures" against vessels in the Mideast that come within 100 meters (yards) of its warships, offering specific guidelines after a recent close encounter with Iranian vessels in the Persian Gulf.
By Jon Gambrell, The Associated Press
NATO eyes boosting Iraq army training, still needs Iraq’s OK
NATO is ready to expand its military training effort in Iraq, the alliance’s top civilian official said Wednesday, but the Iraqi government is not yet ready to approve the move.
Additional military presence in Mideast delivers message of deterrence to Iran, says top US Central Command leader
Nearly a month after Iran launched a rare direct military attack against United States forces in Iraq, an uneasy quiet has settled across the Mideast.
By Lolita C. Baldor, The Associated Press