« The United States Central Command is committed to defending the freedom of navigation within our area of responsibility, which includes some of the most important waterways in the world, » General Michael « Erik » Kurilla said in a statement. , head of central command. « These additional forces provide unique capabilities, which together with our partner nations in the region, further safeguard the free flow of international trade and uphold the rules-based international order and deter destabilizing Iranian activities in the region. »
According to the announcement, Iran attacked, seized or attempted to seize nearly 20 merchant ships sailing in the area.
