MANAMA, Bahrain – The US Department of Defense has deployed thenuclear-power Ohio-class guided-missile submarine along with twoguided-missile cruisers to the Persian Gulf amid tension with Iran.
US Naval Forces Central Command (CENTCOM) in a statement said that USSGeorgia (SSGN 729), USS Port Royal (CG 73) and USS Philippine Sea (CG 58)have been sent.
Georgia’s presence in the US 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO)demonstrates the US Navy’s ability to sail and operate whereverinternational law allows, it said
“As an inherently flexible maneuver force, capable of supporting routineand contingency operations, Georgia’s presence demonstrates the UnitedStates’ commitment to regional partners and maritime security with a fullspectrum of capabilities to remain ready to defend against any threat atany time,” Naval Forces CENTCOM said.
Washington and Tehran have long history of escalation over nuclearprogramme but it further deteriorated following the killing of Iran’spowerful military commander, Gen Qasem Soleimani, in a US air strike inIraq earlier this year.
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In September, the US imposed latest sanctions on Iran’s Ministry of Defensein order to exert more pressured on the Islamic regime to bar it fromcontinue weapons programs.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, flanked by Defense Secretary Mark Esper,Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross hadsaid that sanctions were also being imposed on Venezuela’s Nicolas Madurofor helping Tehran in the programs.
“No matter who you are, if you violate the U.N. arms embargo on Iran, yourisk sanctions,” Pompeo said, adding: “Our actions today are a warning thatshould be heard worldwide”.
