Pentagon to deploy ships to CENTCOM amid Iranian naval threats

The Pentagon has announced that it will deploy ships to United States Central Command (CENTCOM) amid mounting naval tensions with Iran in the Straight of Hormuz.

"In response to recent attempts by Iran to threaten the free flow of commerce in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters, the Secretary of Defense has ordered the deployment of a portion of the BATAAN Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) comprised of the USS Bataan, USS Carter Hall, and its associated personnel and equipment into the USCENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR), in addition to the recently approved forces comprising F-35s, F-16s, and a guided missile destroyer, the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116)," the Department of Defense stated on Thursday.

"Through these actions, the United States is demonstrating commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and deterring Iranian destabilization activities in the region," it continued. "We will continue to work with like-minded allies and partners who are committed to the free flow of commerce to take appropriate, coordinated actions against threats to this fundamental principle of the rules-based international order."

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's earlier this week approved sending the Hudner, the F-3,5 and the F-16s to CENTCOM in light of the Iranian naval threat.

Tehran's navy twice attempted to seize civilian merchant vessels in July, one in the Straight of Hormuz and the other in the Gulf of Oman. The U.S. Navy intervened in both incidents. The Straight of Hormuz is a critical waterway, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean. It is a major shipping lane for oil exports from bordering nations.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.