More than 3,000 military personnel from the United States have arrived in the Red Sea aboard two warships, in response to recent tanker seizures by Iran, according to the US Navy on Monday.
This deployment contributes to the growing US military presence in the Gulf region, which is crucial for global oil trade. However, Iran has accused the US of exacerbating regional instability.
In the past two years, Iran has either seized or attempted to control nearly 20 internationally flagged ships in the region, as reported by the US military.
The US sailors and Marines entered the Red Sea on Sunday after transiting through the Suez Canal. Their arrival on the USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall warships enhances the Fifth Fleet’s flexibility and maritime capabilities, per a statement from the Bahrain-based command.
Commander Tim Hawkins, the spokesperson for the Fifth Fleet, stated that this deployment aims to deter destabilizing activities and de-escalate regional tensions caused by Iran’s harassment and seizures of merchant vessels.
The USS Bataan is an amphibious assault ship equipped to carry fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, as well as landing craft. On the other hand, the USS Carter Hall is a dock landing ship that transports Marines, their equipment, and facilitates landing operations.
During a press conference on Monday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanani, criticized the US deployments, stating that they serve only Washington’s interests. He added, “The US government’s military presence in the region has never created security. Their interests in this region have always compelled them to fuel instability and insecurity. We believe that the countries of the Persian Gulf are capable of ensuring their own security.”
This recent deployment follows Washington’s claims of thwarting two attempted seizures of commercial tankers by Iran in international waters off Oman on July 5. Iranian maritime services reported that one of the tankers, the Bahamian-flagged Richmond Voyager, collided with an Iranian vessel, resulting in severe injuries to five crew members.
Previously, in April and early May, Iran had seized two oil tankers within a week in regional waters. These incidents occurred after Israel and the United States accused Iran of a drone strike against an Israeli-owned tanker carrying gas oil off the coast of Oman in November.
The increased military response from the US coincides with China’s deepening engagement in the region. China recently brokered a surprising detente between Gulf rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran in March. Additionally, Iran’s relations with other Arab Gulf states, such as the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, are also improving, as evidenced by recent invitations extended to their leaders.