The Washington Post newspaper, citing several US government officials, reported that the Pentagon will send several thousand more military personnel to the Middle East in the coming days.
According to the report, about 6,000 troops will be sent to the Middle East region on the aircraft carrier USS George Bush and several other warships.
These forces, along with about 4,200 other Marines, are expected to arrive in the Middle East by the end of this month (about two weeks from now).
In response to a question about the deployment of these forces, a White House spokesman said that Donald Trump “has wisely kept all options on the table if the Iranians do not give up their nuclear ambitions and do not reach an agreement acceptable to the United States.”
Two US officials told the Washington Post that as the naval blockade of Iran continues, military officials are planning for a possible escalation of the military conflict in the form of ground operations on Iranian soil.
Following the naval blockade of Iran, a Chinese cargo ship named “Fuxing” was forced to change course and return after passing through the Strait of Hormuz today, April 16, 2021.
Reports also indicate widespread disruption to shipping traffic in the region. According to US officials, this action has effectively halted maritime trade with Iran.
According to reports, several ships attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, but were ultimately stopped by US forces and forced to return.
This is while domestic media, including the Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard, have reported that ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz and arrived at Iranian ports.
