MANAMA, Bahrain – The US Department of Defense has deployed the nuclear-power Ohio-class guided-missile submarine along with two guided-missile cruisers to the Persian Gulf amid tension with Iran.
US Naval Forces Central Command (CENTCOM) in a statement said that USS Georgia (SSGN 729), USS Port Royal (CG 73) and USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) have been sent.
Georgia’s presence in the US 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO) demonstrates the US Navy’s ability to sail and operate wherever international law allows, it said
JUST IN: #USNavy's #USSGeorgia transits #StraitofHormuz with cruisers #USSPortRoyal and #USSPhilippineSea. Georgia’s presence in @US5thFleet demonstrates the fleet's ability to operate wherever international law allows. #forcetobereckonedwith
DETAILS ➡️ https://t.co/PObIHE2XC6 pic.twitter.com/ys8cBbnm7k
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) December 21, 2020
“As an inherently flexible maneuver force, capable of supporting routine and contingency operations, Georgia’s presence demonstrates the United States’ commitment to regional partners and maritime security with a full spectrum of capabilities to remain ready to defend against any threat at any time,” Naval Forces CENTCOM said.
Washington and Tehran have long history of escalation over nuclear programme but it further deteriorated following the killing of Iran’s powerful military commander, Gen Qasem Soleimani, in a US air strike in Iraq earlier this year.
In September, the US imposed latest sanctions on Iran’s Ministry of Defense in order to exert more pressured on the Islamic regime to bar it from continue weapons programs.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, flanked by Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross had said that sanctions were also being imposed on Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro for helping Tehran in the programs.
“No matter who you are, if you violate the U.N. arms embargo on Iran, you risk sanctions,” Pompeo said, adding: “Our actions today are a warning that should be heard worldwide”.
The officials announced sanctions on six individuals and three entities over link with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, while three individuals and four entities associated with country’s liquid propellant ballistic missile organization, the Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group, have also faced sanctions.
