The Pentagon is considering deploying additional warships to the Middle East as Iran intensifies attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.
Citing three US officials, the report said Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth approved a request from US Central Command (CENTCOM) to send part of an amphibious ready group along with a Marine expeditionary unit, a deployment that typically includes several warships and around 5,000 Marines.
Two officials said the USS Tripoli, based in Japan, along with its Marines, is already heading toward the Middle East. US Marines are currently stationed in the region as part of ongoing military operations linked to the conflict with Iran.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the broader deployment strategy when asked about the potential reinforcement.
Earlier, Hegseth dismissed concerns that the conflict could result in a prolonged shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.
He accused Iran of acting out of “sheer desperation” in the waterway but said the United States is managing the situation.
“The only thing preventing transit is Iran firing at ships,” Hegseth said, adding that Washington has contingency plans to ensure the continued flow of commercial goods through the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors, with a significant portion of global oil and energy shipments passing through it.
Source: TRT Africa
