CENTCOM announced that “a pair of U.S. Air Force B-52H ‘Stratofortresses’… operated in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility with other U.S. Air Force and regional partner aircraft in the second mission in as many months”. CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie stated that “potential adversaries should understand that no nation on earth is more ready and capable of rapidly deploying additional combat power in the face of any aggression”, adding: “We do not seek conflict, but we must remain postured and committed to respond to any contingency or in opposition to any aggression”. Relatedly, a U.S. official noted that “we are aware that Iran has increased its military activity through direct attacks and support to its proxies in the region”, going on to maintain that “we do not seek conflict with the regime in Iran. But we are prepared and postured… to deter further unwarranted aggression”.