To deter Iran’s plans, “two B-52H “Stratofortresses” flew from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana on a roughly 36-hour mission that took them across Europe, through the northern Red Sea, across Saudi Arabia and into the Persian Gulf for a north to south transit. The mission included a counterclockwise loop around Qatar, all the time staying closer to the western side of the Arabian Gulf and outside Iranian airspace, according to the senior U.S. military official with knowledge of the region. Aircraft from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar flew with the U.S. planes during portions of the flight.”  See “U.S. flew two bombers from Louisiana over the Persian Gulf to deter Iran, says military,” Courtney Kube, NBC, December 10, 2020.

“U.S. military on alert for potential Iranian attack in Middle East,” Lara Seligman, Politico, December 10, 2020.

“Iran, Afghanistan open first rail link with eye on trade,” The Tribune, December 10, 2020.

“Rise in Israeli strikes in Syria has led to decrease of Iranian activity,” Anna Ahronheim, Jerusalem Post, December 10, 2020.