Destroyer and U.S. fighter jets to the Gulf to confront Iranian threats
The U.S. Department of Defense deploys the destroyer “USS Thomas Hudner,” F-35 fighters, and F-16 fighters to defend its interests in the region and protect freedom of navigation
The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) revealed on Monday that it will send a missile destroyer and additional fighters to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran.
This comes after the Iranian Navy attempted to seize two commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman earlier this month, opening fire on one of the incidents on a merchant ship.
Sabrina Singh, Pentagon spokesperson, stated to journalists that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin authorized the deployment of the destroyer “USS Thomas Hudner,” F-35 fighters, and F-16 fighters to the region to defend U.S. interests and protect freedom of navigation.
She said, “In light of this ongoing threat and in coordination with our partners and allies, the U.S. Department of Defense is working to increase our presence and capability to monitor the strait and surrounding waters.”
Singh added, “We call on Iran to immediately halt these destabilizing actions that threaten the free flow of commerce through this strategic waterway that the world relies on for more than one-fifth of global oil supplies.”
She confirmed that some military equipment is already en route to the region.
A senior defense official stated on Friday that the United States is deploying A-10 Warthog fighter jets over the Gulf, equipped with “useful types of ammunition to confront fast boats and moving targets.”
The official added that “fast attack boats and swarm attacks have become an increased maritime threat,” so “we have tried various means to counter them. The A-10 aircraft’s ability to do so has been proven.”
Earlier, Washington announced that its forces thwarted two Iranian attempts to seize two commercial carriers in international waters off Oman on July 5, while Iran seized another merchant ship the following day.
According to U.S. Central Command, Iran has attacked or seized about 20 commercial vessels since 2021.
In recent years, Washington and Tehran have exchanged accusations following a series of incidents in the Gulf, including mysterious attacks on ships, the downing of a drone, and the seizure of oil tankers.
These developments come amidst improved Gulf-Iranian relations following the decision to restore relations between Tehran and Riyadh, under Chinese mediation, following the signing of an agreement in March last year.
The United States has strengthened its military presence in the Gulf waters to confront Iranian threats by deploying dozens of drones.
The Iranian military sparked controversy last month when it announced its intention to form a naval force consisting of Gulf countries, with the United States considering the invitation strange, particularly since the threats that harm maritime navigation come from Tehran.
Such incidents have been recorded since 2018 when then-U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew his country from the Iranian nuclear deal and reimposed severe sanctions on Tehran, leading to heightened tensions.
Talks aimed at reviving the agreement were recently resumed, mediated by the Sultanate of Oman.
