In an effort to secure freedom of navigation, the US Navy started accompanying US-flagged commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday.
According to Reuters, the Navy vessels which are already deployed in the area will stay in communication and close enough to the US-flagged vessels to respond if needed, but would not escort them. Quoting the officials, Reuters writes that this precautionary operation should be in effect for a limited period of time.
The decision was made after Iranian personnel fired upon and seized Maersk Tigris cargo vessel three days ago, and earlier followed another US-flagged commercial vessel.
USS Farragut, an Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, was sent to monitor Maersk Tigris.
Naval Today Staff, Image: US Navy