[51546] Escalation in the Gulf: The US tightens the naval blockade on Iran

Tension in the Persian Gulf: US aircraft carriers prepare to enforce a naval blockade

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the aircraft carrier 'USS George H.W. Bush', carrying over 60 aircraft on board, has crossed the Arabian Sea and joined the forces participating in 'Operation Prosperity Guardian'. According to Al-Arabiya Persian, the move is part of deepening the naval blockade on Iranian ports and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

In reports identified with Iranian security sources, such as the Revolutionary Guards channel, it was noted that the American activity is intended to ensure the "safe passage of ships" in the region. At the same time, according to Al-Arabiya Persian, Central Command forces confirmed that so far, 51 vessels have been forced to change their route following the enforcement of the American blockade, with the destroyer 'USS Michael Murphy' taking an active part in the mission.

Simultaneously with the naval activity, it was reported on Fox News that American F-16 fighter jets and other aircraft are conducting sorties over the Middle East as part of a "broad defensive campaign". Al-Arabiya Persian added that the US is concentrating significant firepower in the region with the goal of creating a "defensive umbrella" to protect its forces and commercial shipping in the strategic vulnerability of the Strait of Hormuz.