US military may put armed troops on commercial ships in Strait of Hormuz to stop Iran seizures

Aug 04, 20230

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Danilo Reynoso/U.S. Navy, via AP count

In this handout photo from the U.S. Navy, the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan travels through Atlantic Ocean on July 20, 2023.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - The U.S. military is considering putting armed personnel on commercial ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, in what would be an unheard of action aimed at stopping Iran from seizing and harassing civilian vessels, American officials told The Associated Press on Thursday.

Since 2019, Iran has seized a series of ships in the strait, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, as part of its efforts to pressure the West over negotiations regarding its collapsed nuclear deal with world powers. Putting U.S. troops on commercial ships could further deter Iran from seizing vessels - or escalate tensions further.

The contemplated move also would represent an extraordinary commitment in the Mideast by U.S. forces as the Pentagon tries to focus on Russia and China. America didn't even take the step during the so-called ''Tanker War,'' which culminated with the U.S. Navy and Iran fighting a one-day naval battle in 1988 that was the Navy's largest since World War II.

https://www.startribune.com/us-military-may-put-armed-troops-on-commercial-ships-in-strait-of-hormuz-to-stop-iran-seizures/600294584/