US deploys 10,000 troops, 12 warships near Iran’s ports

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has significantly expanded its naval and air presence near Iran’s coastal and port regions, with deploying more than 10,000 troops, 12 warships and around 100 military aircraft.

Officials describe the development as a pressure campaign targeting Iranian maritime activity and control over shipping routes linked to Iran’s key ports, reports Al Jazeera.

The report, citing a CENTCOM statement, claims that in recent days, at least 14 cargo and fuel vessels bound for Iran were forced to alter course after encountering US naval assets operating in the region.

CENTCOM said the deployment is not intended to fully close the Strait of Hormuz but focuses on Iranian port access and coastal shipping activity, which Washington says is central to restricting Iran’s import and export capacity.

The US military has not provided independent verification of the operational impact claims, and Iran has yet to publicly respond to the reported developments.

The situation comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where maritime security and shipping routes remain a focal point of geopolitical friction between Washington and Tehran.