A senior defense official told Pentagon reporters on Saturday that the US was sending F-16 fighter jets to the Gulf region to protect ships against the threat of seizure by Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz. The news was confirmed by the US defense department on Monday.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) earlier this month said it had prevented attempts by the Iranian navy to seize two commercial tankers in the Gulf of Oman, and claimed that Iran had opened fire on a tanker.
“In light of this continuing threat, and in coordination with our partners and allies, the department is increasing our presence and ability to monitor the strait and surrounding waters. We call upon 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 one fifth of the world’s oil supply,” Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters.
Singh said they are deploying the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner, and F-35 and F-16 fighter jets to areas under the responsibility of CENTCOM in light of the “recent alarming incidents.”
During his weekly press briefing on Monday, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said that Washington’s decision to beef up its presentence in the Gulf could cause insecurity and instability in the region and noted that Tehran maintains the right to defend itself against American “provocative and illegal actions near its borders.”
“Iran reserves the right to make the necessary deterrent arrangements in compliance with international law’s rules and regulations, and will exercise its inalienable rights accordingly,” he added.
Tehran and Washington have had frequent altercations in the vicinity of the Gulf ever since the US imposed sanctions on Iran’s economy, particularly its oil exports. Iran has repeatedly demanded the US withdraw its forces from the region. In May, Iran said that it was closely monitoring the Persian Gulf after the US announced it would bolster its presence by upscaling the rotation of ships and aircraft patrolling the vital Strait of Hormuz corridor.
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