![]() Kirby emphasized the importance of the area, saying "the Strait of Hormuz is a vital seaway that has a huge impact on seaborne trade around the world." Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder and National Security Council spokesman John Kirby both declined to confirm reports of the planned deployment. "There should be no interaction at all if Iran plays by the rules and follows international law," the official said, adding: "If they attack and we have forces on board, we will respond - as we should." to employ security details composed of both Marines and Navy sailors on commercial tankers transiting in and near the Strait of Hormuz as an added layer of defense for these vulnerable ships," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.Īn invitation is needed to do so because the ships are private vessels, but "we are undergoing preparations to execute should final agreements be in place to do that," the official said.Īsked if there are concerns that the deployment could lead to confrontation between US and Iranian forces, the official said that was effectively up to Tehran. The security forces would provide a further layer of protection for the tankers in addition to the warships and planes operating in the strategically vital area, through which around a fifth of the world's oil passes. ![]() The US military says Iran has either seized or attempted to take control of nearly 20 internationally flagged ships in the region over the past two years.(AFP/ Representational) The United States is preparing to deploy Marines and Navy personnel aboard commercial tankers transiting the Gulf as part of efforts to deter Iran from seizing ships, a US official said Thursday.
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