CNN has learned U.S. Navy warships will now "accompany" every U.S.-flagged commercial vessel that passes through the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman because of concerns that ships from Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps navy could try to seize a U.S. cargo ship. The classified plan was approved by the Pentagon Thursday, a senior defense official told CNN's Barbara Starr.
The decision to do this comes after IRGC ships harassed a U.S.-flagged vessel, the Maersk Kensington, and then also seized another cargo ship, the Maersk Tigris, flagged in the Marshall Islands. The worry is that with the uncertainty about Iran's intentions, any seizure of a U.S.-flagged vessel could provoke an international incident with Iran. "This is a way to reduce the risk of confrontation," the official told CNN.
A second U.S. official said if it becomes necessary, U.S. warships are prepared to escort U.S. commercial vessels throughout the entire Gulf.
Get complete coverage of breaking news on CNN TV, CNN.com and CNN Mobile.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Watch CNN live or On Demand from your computer or mobile device.
Watch live CNN news coverage now at http://cnn.it/go
------------------------------------------------------------------
You have opted-in to receive this e-mail from CNN.com.
To unsubscribe from Breaking News e-mail alerts, go to: http://cnn.com/EMAIL/breakingnews/unsubscribe.html?l=textbreakingnews
One CNN Center Atlanta, GA 30303
(c) & (r) 2015 Cable News Network
No comments:
Post a Comment