US deploys 21 ships to Middle East in support of military operations

Washington - The United States has deployed more than 20 ships to the Middle East to support ongoing military operations in the region, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Tuesday. “There are more than 20 ships operating throughout the Middle East region in support of military operations, including the strict enforcement of the US steel wall blockade against Iran,” CENTCOM said on platform X. In addition, one more commercial vessel has been ordered to alter its course in accordance with the naval blockade, bringing the total to 18, CENTCOM continued. The US and Iran had actually signed a memorandum of understanding on 18 June to work towards ending the conflict that began on 28 February. However, the US military launched several new attacks against Iran starting on 8 July. CENTCOM claimed this was in response to Iranian actions against commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Iran subsequently retaliated by attacking US bases in the Middle East and accused the US of violating the ceasefire agreement. Trump then stated that the ceasefire deal previously agreed to by Iran was no longer in effect.