Senator hits military's surreptitious use of Guam as a decoy in Iran strike

Chris Barnett

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Sen. Chris Barnett has expressed concern over the strategic use of Guam as a decoy in the Iran strike operation, warning that it set a troubling precedent, both regionally and globally.

Dragging Guam into the U.S. military’s deception tactics—without consultation, transparency, or regard for the people of Guam and those who serve in uniform—is “unacceptable,” Barnett said.

Before the U.S. launched air strikes on Iran, six B-2 stealth bombers departed from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and were reportedly heading to Andersen Air Force Base on Guam.

The Pentagon later disclosed that the Guam-bound stealth bombers were just a decoy to distract from the top-secret flights heading straight for Iran over the Atlantic.

Air Force Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has said the employment of decoys and deception tactics contributed to the success of Operation Midnight Hammer, which reportedly destroyed Iran’s three nuclear sites.

While expressing support for the “United States’ right to defend itself and

protect its interests,” Barnett noted that Guam’s involvement in Operation Midnight Hammer was "not about defense; it was about deception."

He pointed out that Guamanians have served the nation “honorably for

 generations, not because we are compelled to, but because we believe in protecting our families and upholding democratic values. We should not be used without consent or even acknowledgment.”

Using Guam as a decoy, he added, "sends the wrong message—to our allies, that Guam is expendable; to our adversaries, that we are divided; and to our 

own people, that we are invisible. Guam deserves better."

Barnett challenged Guam Del. James Moylan to "rise to the moment," reminding the congressman that he is Guam's representative to Congress and not the other way around.

“This is a time for unity, leadership, and courage,” Barnett said, urging Moylan "to speak out—not in opposition to our nation’s defense, but in defense of Guam’s right to transparency, inclusion and safety. Silence in moments like this does not serve the people of Guam.” 

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