The United States has significantly increased its military presence at Diego Garcia Air Force Base in the Indian Ocean, increasing pressure on Iran and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, according to open-source intelligence (OSINT) gathered by independent analysts. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has previously confirmed that the military campaign against the Houthis will continue for several more weeks, indicating preparations for long-term operations in the region. Amid these developments, US forces are moving equipment and personnel, signaling a possible escalation of the conflict with Tehran.

According to OSINT data, at least five B-2 Spirit strategic bombers, known as “stealth bombers” due to their stealth technology, and seven C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft have arrived at Diego Garcia. These aircraft are capable of delivering heavy ordnance and additional troops, increasing the base’s combat potential. In addition, 18 KC-135 Stratotanker tankers have been deployed to other U.S. military installations in the region, including a base on Guam, to provide aerial refueling for long-range missions. This concentration of aircraft indicates a readiness for large-scale strikes, potentially targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities.

At the same time, the USS Carl Vinson left the Western Pacific and headed for the Persian Gulf, where the USS Harry S. Truman is already operating against the Houthis. Two carriers in the same region is a rare occurrence, underscoring the seriousness of Washington’s intentions. Hegseth said the strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, which began on March 15, are intended to protect shipping in the Red Sea, but their intensity and scope hint at a broader strategy that includes containing Iran.

The moves were a response to an ultimatum issued by US President Donald Trump to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in early March. Trump demanded that Tehran begin talks on its nuclear program within two months, threatening military action if it did not. Concern has been growing in Washington over reports of Iran’s progress in developing nuclear weapons. According to The New York Times, in February 2025, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recorded an increase in Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles to near-weapons-grade levels, increasing pressure on the Trump administration.