US military to keep Persian Gulf waterway open despite Iran threats

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.”

RELATED

Trump warns: Iran will pay if it restarts nuclear program

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.

RELATED

No harassment of US ships by Iran despite nuclear deal demise, says Navy’s top officer

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.

By Mark D. Faram

Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s expeditionary Quds Force, said his forces were “ready for any policy.”

In Other News

No ‘significant’ mover capacity problems expected for troops, DOD says

The DOD says a new task force is "fully engaged" in overseeing the process of troops' household goods moves during this peak season.

Lawmaker proposes Iranian Campaign Medal for strikes on nuclear sites

Pilots and supporting service members involved in the complex airstrikes would be eligible for the new military medal.

House passes $435 billion spending plan for VA in fiscal 2026

Republicans approved plans for an 18% boost in total Veterans Affairs spending next year, but the measure is far from becoming law.

Advocates recruit vets to attend Afghan allies’ immigration hearings

The effort is designed to show support for legal immigration of more Afghans who worked alongside American forces during the war overseas.

Lawmakers press VA for details on DOGE access to vets records

Democrats want promises from department leaders that sensitive medical and financial information is being handled securely.

Load More