The Pentagon is reportedly considering a plan to deploy troops on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz to protect them from potential seizure or harassment by Iranian forces. Five unidentified US officials have revealed that the proposal is currently being discussed by Pentagon representatives and Washington’s allies in the Persian Gulf region. However, no final decision has been made on the matter.
If approved, the plan would entail placing armed soldiers on commercial ships, but only at the request of the shipping firms themselves. The process of deploying US Navy and Marine Corps troops on oil tankers and private-sector ships is expected to be complex, requiring approvals from both the country where the vessel is flagged and the nation where its owner is registered.
The proposal has garnered attention due to its potential implications. The presence of US troops on commercial ships could serve as a deterrent against Iran’s seizure of vessels, but it could also escalate tensions further. The plan is being seen as an “unheard of action” by the Associated Press.
The rising tensions between the US and Iran since the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 have prompted such considerations. The US has accused Iran of engaging in destabilizing actions, including seizures of commercial vessels. In response to what it deems as alarming events, the Pentagon announced last month the deployment of additional fighter jets and naval assets to the Persian Gulf region.
On the other hand, Iranian officials have accused the US of provoking tensions through its military deployments in the region. Last month, an Iranian admiral claimed that multiple US jets attempted but failed to prevent Iranian forces from boarding an oil tanker suspected of smuggling. Iran’s seizure of ships in recent years has been an attempt to counter US and UK intercepts of tankers transporting Iranian oil.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial chokepoint for global oil supplies, with approximately 20% of the world’s oil passing through it. The region connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, making it strategically significant. Given its importance, ensuring the security of commercial ships and preventing any disruptions to the flow of oil is a top priority.
In light of these developments, US Navy Vice Admiral Brad Cooper held a meeting with officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. The details of the meeting were not disclosed, but the parties discussed strengthening GCC-US cooperation and collaborating with international and regional partners.
As tensions persist between the US and Iran, the proposal to deploy troops on commercial ships highlights the escalating security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz. While the plan is still under discussion, its potential implementation could have significant implications for both the region and global energy markets.
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