By Smartencyclopedia Staff *

A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed on Monday that the U.S. military will deploy a Navy destroyer along with F-16 and F-35 fighter jets to the Gulf region. This decision comes in response to recent concerning incidents in the Strait of Hormuz involving Iran. The deployment aims to defend U.S. interests, ensure freedom of navigation, and address Iran’s destabilizing activities.

The U.S. Central Command area of responsibility will receive the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner, F-35 fighters, and F-16 fighters, as directed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. These assets will join the existing F-16s and A-10 Warthogs already present in the region. The F-16s provide air cover and act as a deterrent for ships navigating through the Strait of Hormuz, which is a critical route for global oil shipments.

The decision to deploy additional assets is a response to Iran’s recent attempts to engage in destabilizing actions. The Pentagon, in coordination with allies and partners, aims to enhance monitoring capabilities in the strait and its surrounding waters. The U.S. calls on Iran to cease such antagonizing actions that threaten the free flow of commerce.

The duration of the deployment is uncertain, as it depends on ongoing assessments by Defense Secretary Austin and military commanders. The aircraft are enroute, although the specific locations from where they are being flown were not disclosed.

These recent encounters in early July follow previous incidents where Iran successfully seized oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, including one bound for Texas in April. The strait, located between Iran and the Gulf of Oman, is a crucial waterway responsible for more than one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, making its security of utmost importance.

Source: With Agencies