U.S Navy Plans To Deploy Warship USS Makin Island In Persian Gulf As Strait Of Hormuz Crisis Deepens

The U.S. Navy is planning to deploy more warships and troops in the Gulf region as the U.S-Iran war continues, and no negotiations remain in sight.

As part of this plan, the Navy amphibious assault ship, the USS Makin Island, based in San Diego, is preparing to leave for the Middle East, confirmed Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao.

The warship carries F-35 fighter jets and is one of the largest in San Diego.

It would take Marines from Camp Pendleton to join U.S. forces in the war with Iran, though it is not confirmed how many soldiers would be on the ship when it leaves from San Diego.

USS Makin Island was reportedly training in regional waters with USS Somerset and USS San Diego before receiving the information about the deployment.

Another San Diego-based amphibious assault ship, the USS Boxer, left for the Gulf just two months before.

Many San Diego-based ships have played a major role in the conflict with Iran in what Trump calls Operation Epic Fury.

Admiral Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command appreciated the troops deployed in the hostile region and said that they had destroyed over 90% of the naval mines laid by Iran.

However, the Iranian Navy still retains significant capacity and resources to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Recently, the U.S. President travelled to China to meet his counterpart, President Xi, and both of them agreed on the need to maintain safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure global energy security.

U.S President also called Israeli Prime Minister last week and discussed the situation in the Gulf, with many stating that Washington could renew military action towards Iran.

On the other hand, Iran has warned the U.S. by saying its navy would turn the Sea of Oman into a graveyard for U.S Navy ships if Washington does not end the naval blockade of Iranian ports.

The situation remains tense in the region as European countries are also contacting Iran regarding the safe passage of their ships from the Strait of Hormuz.