US Increases Military Presence in Persian Gulf After Iranian Ship Seizures

The US will increase its defensive posture in the Persian Gulf with heightened patrols after Iran seized two merchant ships in recent weeks. The US will also increase coordination with the International Maritime Security Construct and increase the rotation of ships and aircraft patrolling the Strait of Hormuz. The US has condemned Iran's actions and is committed to protecting navigational rights in the critical waters. This comes amid a fraught relationship between the US and Iran, with tensions escalating in recent years.