DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The U.S. military is reiterating a promise to keep Persian Gulf waterways open to oil tankers as Iran renewed threats to close off the region.
Capt. Bill Urban, a spokesman for the U.S. military’s Central Command, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that American sailors and its regional allies “stand ready to ensure the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce wherever international law allows.”
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Weighing U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear accord, President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that if the Iranians “restart their nuclear program, they will have bigger problems than they’ve ever had before.”
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday suggested Iran could halt regional exports if it is stopped from exporting oil after America pulled out of the nuclear deal with world powers.
Meanwhile, Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani reportedly sent a letter to Rouhani applauding his stance.
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Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson said the Navy remains on guard and wary of Iran in the Persian Gulf despite no recent signs of unsafe encounters.
Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s expeditionary Quds Force, said his forces were “ready for any policy.”
Ukrainian leaders urging of calm comes as the Pentagon heightens readiness for 8,500 troops.
North Korea last Thursday issued a veiled threat to resume the testing of nuclear explosives and long-range missiles targeting the American homeland.
The U.S. has provided some ground support to Kurdish forces.
The missile fire further escalates tensions across the Persian Gulf.
The Chinese formation Sunday night included 24 J-16 fighter jets and 10 J-10 jets, among other support and electronic warfare aircraft.
Three sailors on the deck required medical evacuation to a Manila, Philippines, hospital, where they were assessed as in stable condition. The other four were treated by medical personnel onboard the ship.
Members of the 1st Samoan Battalion defended their homelands.
Thousands of U.S. troops could be called on to deploy in support of NATO's Response Force.
U.S. subs can help deter Russia's overall ambitions today, even as focus remains on Ukraine's ground borders as the most immediate threat to peace in Europe, American lawmakers said.
Army Gen. Richard Clarke is working from home, with mild symptoms, after testing positive Sunday.
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