A U.S. aircraft specializing in detecting nuclear explosions has arrived in the Middle East for the first time, signaling a sharp escalation in tensions with Iran.
The Boeing WC-135 Constant Phoenix, nicknamed the “Nuke Sniffer,” is capable of identifying radioactive particles in the air after a nuclear test or detonation, allowing U.S. intelligence to pinpoint both the nature and location of such events.
The plane flew from Britain to Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a move observers see as a long-term deployment aimed squarely at Iran. This comes after the recent 12-day war in which Iranian nuclear facilities were struck, enriched uranium was moved to secret sites, and the sensitive Fordow facility was refurbished—sparking fears of Tehran preparing for its first nuclear test.
At the same time, Europe is moving closer to triggering the “snapback” mechanism to reimpose sanctions, while Iran threatens to quit the Non-Proliferation Treaty, potentially paving the way for open nuclear weapons development.