Ensign Gordon Kitchener looks out from the bridge of the guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), May 9, 2023 in the Arabian Gulf. (US Navy)
The US will bolster its defensive posture with heightened patrols in the Persian Gulf after destabilizing actions by Iran this past month to interfere with and seize commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and other strategic waterways, according to a US National Security Council spokesperson.
“[The] United States will not allow foreign or regional powers to jeopardize freedom of navigation through the Middle East waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz,” National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby told reporters on Friday, adding that there is “simply no justification” for Iranian actions to interfere, harass or attack merchant ships.
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U.S. Bolstering Its Military Presence In The Middle East After Iran Seized Two Merchant Ships In Recent Weeks
U.S. 5th Fleet Increasing Patrols in Strait of Hormuz in Response to Iranian Seizures -- USNI News
US military to bolster defensive posture in Gulf after Iran seizes tankers -- Reuters
US to Send Reinforcements to Gulf After Iran Ship Threats -- AFP
U.S. boosts military presence in the Middle East after Iran seizes tankers -- Politico
US to bolster ‘defensive posture’ in Gulf: White House -- Al Jazeera