US Military to Deploy Marines and Navy Personnel on Tankers to Prevent Iranian Ship Seizures
The United States is gearing up to station Marines and Navy personnel on commercial tankers traversing the Gulf region, a move aimed at discouraging Iran from seizing ships, according to an anonymous US official on Thursday.
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This additional security measure is intended to bolster the protection of tankers along with the existing presence of naval vessels and aircraft in the strategically vital area, where approximately one-fifth of the world's oil shipments transit.
In the words of the official who spoke to AFP under anonymity, "An initiative is underway to deploy combined security teams comprising both Marines and Navy sailors on commercial tankers transiting through or near the Strait of Hormuz. This added defensive layer aims to safeguard these vulnerable vessels."
While the deployment requires formal invitations due to the private nature of these ships, preparations are actively being made to implement this plan once final agreements are reached, the official stated.
Addressing concerns about a potential escalation between US and Iranian forces resulting from this deployment, the official placed the onus on Tehran's actions, stating, "If Iran adheres to international regulations and conducts itself within established norms, there should be no cause for interaction. However, in the event of an attack with our personnel on board, we will respond as necessary."
Highlighting the strategic importance of the area, Pentagon spokesman Kirby emphasized that "the Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital maritime corridor that significantly influences global seaborne trade."
He added, "This narrow passage holds immense importance, and given Iran's history of posing threats to disrupt this passage, we must remain vigilant."
In recent weeks, the United States has augmented its military presence in the region, disclosing plans to deploy a destroyer, F-35 and F-16 fighter aircraft, alongside an Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of approximately 3,000 personnel.
Over the past two years, the US military has reported nearly 20 instances of Iran either seizing or attempting to seize internationally flagged ships in the region.
While Washington thwarted two Iranian attempts to commandeer commercial tankers in international waters off Oman on July 5, Tehran successfully took control of a commercial vessel the following day.
Iran's actions have included the seizure of two tankers in quick succession in regional waters during April and early May. Furthermore, Iran was accused of launching a drone attack on an Israeli-owned tanker in November 2022.
Such incidents have been recurrent since 2018, following the withdrawal of then-US President Donald Trump from the Iran nuclear agreement and the subsequent imposition of stringent sanctions on the Islamic republic, which Washington contends Iran has managed to evade.
