The US is deploying thousands of troops to the Middle East amid mounting pressure on Iran
The US is deploying thousands of additional troops to the Middle East as part of measures aimed at putting pressure on Iran and enforcing a naval blockade. This was reported by US officials, according to the Washington Post.
Around 6,000 troops are heading to the region aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and accompanying ships. A further 4,200 troops as part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, together with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, are due to arrive later this month.
These forces will join the approximately 50,000 US troops already engaged in operations against Iran. The deployment comes on the eve of the end of a two-week ceasefire, which is due to expire on 22 April.
US President Donald Trump announced a blockade of maritime traffic to Iranian ports following the breakdown of talks held in Pakistan. According to him, the aim is to force Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz and halt its nuclear programme as part of negotiations led by Vice-President J.D. Vance.
Trump stated that the war in Iran could end in the near future and expressed his expectation that fuel prices would fall to pre-war levels if the United States could prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
In response, Iran declared its readiness to block imports and exports through the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea. Commander Maj Gen Ali Abdolhadi noted that the country would take measures to protect its sovereignty and interests.
The increased US military presence expands the capabilities of the US command in the event of a breakdown in negotiations. Three aircraft carriers will be stationed in the region, each carrying dozens of fighter jets. The USS Abraham Lincoln has been there since January, and the USS Gerald R. Ford arrived in February.
At the time of writing, the USS George H.W. Bush was near the Horn of Africa and is heading towards the region. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group has set sail from Hawaii and is due to arrive in a few weeks.
US forces are monitoring vessels leaving the Strait of Hormuz. During the first 24 hours of the operation, six merchant ships were intercepted and returned to Iranian ports without incident.
The military does not rule out conducting ship-seizure operations if necessary. Navy SEALs, Marine Corps or Coast Guard units may be deployed for this purpose.
At the same time, such operations carry risks. Officials estimate that ship crews may resist, and Iranian forces may attack using drones or speedboats.
The US administration is also considering the possibility of further escalation, including ground operations on Iranian territory. Options under discussion include special operations, a Marine Corps landing on the coast, or the seizure of export facilities.
Experts note that a prolonged blockade could significantly impact Iran’s economy, which relies heavily on oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, this could lead to a further rise in fuel prices.
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