After the beginning of detente in relations between Iran and the monarchies of the Arabian Peninsula, the situation in the Persian Gulf began to escalate again. The United States decided to transfer its destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116 - the 66th ship of the Arleigh Burke class) and several F-35 fighters from the Red Sea to the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman under the pretext of "protecting its interests and protecting shipping." This was announced on July 17 at a briefing by Pentagon Speaker Sabrina Singh.
A spokeswoman for the US Department of Defense noted that due to the continued threat to commercial shipping, Washington, while coordinating with allies and partners, is increasing its military presence in the region to monitor the surrounding waters. She did not specify how long American ships and planes would remain in the region.
It should be noted that the United States began to pull ships and aircraft into the Persian Gulf zone after they accused Iran of several attempts to seize tankers in early July. American A-10 attack aircraft, F-16 fighters and the destroyer USS McFaul (DDG-74 - the 24th ship of the Arleigh Burke class) were sent to the region to cover them. Now the group is being strengthened.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the strategically important places for international trade on the planet. It connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. It is 167 km long and 39-96 km wide. Cargo ships pass through it, carrying up to 1/3 of the LNG and 1/4 of the oil that are consumed by mankind.