US Increases Forces In The Middle East Due To Attempts By Iran To Seize Commercial Vessels

Iran has attacked, seized, or attempted seizure of nearly 20 internationally flagged merchant vessels in the CENTCOM area of operations in the past two years.

MIDDLE EAST - United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has released a statement saying that the U.S. has increased forces in the Middle East due to attempts by Iran to seize commercial vessels in the region.

The statement said that the Secretary of Defense has ordered the deployment of the Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) into the CENTCOM area of responsibility in addition to the recently approved deployment of F-35s, F-16s, and guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116).

“The ARG/MEU brings additional aviation, maritime assets, and U.S. Marines, providing even greater flexibility and maritime capability in the region,” the CENTCOM statement said.

Iran Has Attacked, Seized Or Attempted Seizure Of Nearly 20 Merchant Vessels: