(PatriotWise.com) — In an attempt to show that the United States is a force to reckon with in the Middle East, U.S. Air Force B1-B bombers flew over Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, according to Newsmax. Accompanied by the countries’ air forces, the joint operation was reportedly conducted to send a clear message to Iran.
The operation was an effort to reinforce the U.S.’s commitment to regional security with its allies. The Israeli Air Force escorted one of the American bombers over its airspace as seen in a picture posted on Twitter.
2 IAF F16-D aircraft accompanied 2 U.S. B1 bombers that crossed Israeli airspace on their way to Spain.
The flight took place as part of the close cooperation with the U.S. Armed Forces, which is pivotal in maintaining stability in the region. pic.twitter.com/JUxlHxZdHW
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 8, 2023
The U.S.-Israel alliance comes at a time when other countries are reportedly low in support for the Jewish state, even after the Abraham Accords agreements. The agreements were signed by Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. They were negotiated and mediated by former President Donald Trump.
The bombers were also involved in live-fire exercises in Jordan and Saudi Arabia where they tested out their munitions and JDAM-guided bombs and AGM-158 JASSM cruise missiles.
Lt.-Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, commander of Air Forces Central (AFCENT) released a statement saying that the mission was to demonstrate the partnership between the U.S. and its allies. But the U.S. then traveled to Saudi Arabia for joint exercises amid the Russian-Ukraine war. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also reiterated the goal of showing military support within the region.
The news comes as Iran and Russia, along with several other countries are negotiating a free trade zone agreement, according to Reuters. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk reportedly said that talks between the Eurasian Economic Union and Iran are in their final stages.
Russia has been looking for trade routes outside of the West after it imposed sanctions on the Kremlin for its invasion of Ukraine last year.
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