Unprecedented U.S. plan to deploy armed personnel on ships in Strait of Hormuz against rising Iranian seizure attempts

U.S. Considers Armed Ship Presence to Deter Iranian Seizures

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In a significant escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran, the U.S. military is mulling over a daring plan to station armed Marines and sailors on commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The proposed action aims to counter Iran’s recent spate of vessel seizures and harassment of civilian ships, a tactic Iran has employed as leverage in its negotiations concerning the collapsed nuclear deal with world powers.

BREAKING: The U.S. is considering taking the unheard of step of putting armed personnel on civilian ships to stop Iran from seizing the vessels, sources tell AP. https://t.co/RHVEjNkA9Z
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 3, 2023

If approved, this unprecedented move would mark a profound shift in U.S. strategy, potentially placing American forces in direct confrontation with Iranian counterparts. The initiative has garnered support from high-ranking officials within the Biden administration, with potential deployment as early as this month.

The escalating situation stems from Iran’s continued attempts to assert control over maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway that sees roughly 20% of the world’s crude oil shipments. Recent incidents have seen Iranian forces attempting to commandeer civilian vessels, often necessitating intervention by U.S. Navy ships to safeguard shipping lanes.

This proposed armed presence aboard commercial ships would act as a deterrent against future Iranian seizures, with U.S. Marines from Camp Lejeune, N.C., already stationed in Bahrain and trained for the mission. While the plan is under discussion, key Pentagon officials have emphasized that no final decision has been reached.

This development comes alongside other assertive measures by the Biden administration, including the deployment of advanced fighter jets to the Persian Gulf and the dispatch of additional naval destroyers to the region. Iran has strongly criticized these actions, branding them as destabilizing and provocative.

It’s worth noting that this potential move underscores the broader geopolitical complexity of the situation, as the U.S. aims to maintain a balance in its focus between the Middle East, Russia, and China. While details of the plan remain limited, the potential presence of U.S. troops on commercial vessels sends a clear message of resolve to Iran.

The proposal has sparked discussions not only within the U.S. military but also among America’s Gulf Arab allies. The involvement of various stakeholders, including the countries under which the ships are flagged and registered, adds a layer of complexity to the decision-making process.

In response to the U.S. initiative, Iran’s mission to the United Nations confirmed awareness of the proposal, acknowledging the reported details. As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely, recognizing the potential impact of this bold move on global maritime security and the ongoing diplomatic dance between the United States and Iran.