politics
U.S. Navy deploys more than 20 warships near Iran
U.S. Central Command said more than 20 Navy warships are patrolling Middle East waters. The deployment follows President Trump's statement about possibly reinstating a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Jul 10, 3:23 PM·1m read1 source
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U.S. Central Command posted on X on Friday that more than 20 U.S. Navy warships are patrolling waters across the Middle East. Maritime trackers spotted the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush entering the Gulf of Oman shortly after the announcement.
Background on recent developments President Trump suggested reinstating the blockade two days earlier after calling off a U.S.-Iran cease-fire. The administration had pulled Iran's oil-sale waiver and conducted military strikes on coastal targets following attacks on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
A delegation from Qatar concluded talks in Iran on Friday aimed at de-escalating tensions, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Officials from Iran are scheduled to travel to Oman on Saturday for discussions on shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.
Statements from officials "Qatari mediators have departed Iran after traveling there in coordination with the U.S., in an effort to de-escalate the situation," the source said. CENTCOM declined to comment on operational updates when asked about the possibility of re-establishing a blockade.
A Foundation for Defending Democracies senior fellow told the New York Post that ships typically move closer to Iranian waters when preparing for blockades or strait transits.
