The U. S. military announced that two Navy guided-missile destroyers entered the Gulf to counter an Iranian blockade, while two U. S. ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz. This follows Iran’s claim of preventing a U. S. warship from entering the Gulf. U. S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that forces are supporting President Trump’s “Project Freedom,” aimed at helping commercial ships stranded due to the U. S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, and are enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports.
The U. S. intervention increases the possibility of direct confrontation with Iran in a crucial waterway that carries a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas, which has been blocked for two months because of the war. CENTCOM reported that two U. S.-flagged vessels successfully transited the strait while destroyers worked in the Gulf. Iran claimed it made a U. S. warship turn back, but CENTCOM denied reports of any missile strikes on the ship. An Iranian official mentioned a warning shot was fired, with uncertainty about any resulting damage to the warship.
Trump detailed a plan to assist ships running low on supplies in the Gulf, stating, “We will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways. ” In response, Iran warned oil tankers and commercial ships to coordinate movements with its military, asserting that it controls security in the Strait of Hormuz and would attack any foreign armed forces, particularly the U. S. military, attempting to enter. Since the war began, Iran has largely blocked shipping movements, causing oil prices to surge significantly.
CENTCOM plans to support “Project Freedom” with 15,000 troops, over 100 aircraft, warships, and drones, asserting that this mission is vital for regional security and the global economy.
With information from Reuters
