Pentagon announces plans to deploy US Navy destroyer and fighter jets near Oman

Middle East, News, US July 20, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. Department of Defense announced plans to deploy Navy destroyer USS Thomas Hudner and F-35 and F-16 fighter jets in the Middle East to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said during a press briefing that “In response to a number of recent, alarming events in the Strait of Hormuz, the secretary of defense has ordered the deployment of the of the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner, F-35 fighters and F-16 fighters to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to defend U.S. interests and safeguard freedom of navigation in the region.”

Earlier this month, the Department of Defense deputy press secretary said that the Iranian navy attempted to illegally seize two merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.

Singh added that “One attempt included an Iranian navy ship firing upon the merchant vessel.” She highlighted that “In light of this continued threat and in coordination with our partners and allies, the department is increasing our presence and ability to monitor the strait and surrounding waters.”

Last week the U.S. Department of Defense announced plans of deploying additional F-16 fighter jets around the strategic Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf region with the task to protect ships from Iranian seizure.

^{U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is ordering an undisclosed number of F-16 aircraft, similar to the one photographed, to deploy to the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility. (Image Credit: U.S. Air Force/Osakabe Yasuo)}

According to Pentagon officials, the U.S. F-16 fighter jets would fly to the Gulf region this weekend to integrate with the existing fleet of A-10 fighter jets that have been deployed and continue to patrol the Strait of Hormuz on a regular basis.

The U.S. CENTCOM said in a statement that “Iran has attacked or seized about 20 merchant vessels since 2021.” In this regard, Singh urged Iran to “immediately cease these destabilizing actions that threaten the free flow of commerce through this strategic waterway, of which the world depends on for more than 1/5 of the world’s oil supply.”

The U.S. officials are increasingly concerned about Iran’s close ties with Russia, especially on matters related to Syria. According to a U.S. official, Tehran, Moscow, and Damascus were looking to push the United States out of Syria.