US Navy to accompany US ships passing through Strait of Hormuz
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US Navy ships started accompanying US-flagged commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, seeking to ensure freedom of navigation two days after Iran seized a cargo ship, US defense officials said. The officials, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, described the decision as incremental, saying it was a precautionary move expected to be for a limited time involving Navy ships already deployed to the area.
They also stressed that the Navy would not be "escorting" ships, which would involve moving in much closer proximity. One noted the Navy ships would be in communication with the US-flagged vessels and somewhat nearby but not necessarily closely trailing them.
