US Marines are being trained to safeguard ships passing through the Gulf region, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, against Iran's harassment of commercial vessels.
Around 100 trained US Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit will provide armed security on foreign commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
These Marines received ship security training in Bahrain, aiming to counter Iran's attempts at seizing and harassing merchant ships.
US Navy officials deployed Marines to counter Iran's maritime forces, specifically the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.
The move comes due to Iran's disruption of commerce and trade flow in the region, affecting the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf.
The strait is crucial for global oil transport, with 20-30% of world oil consumption passing through, making its protection essential.
Iran's attempts to seize ships have led the US Navy to deploy marines on commercial vessels, aiming to secure this key trade route.
The deployment of marines on commercial ships is unprecedented and signifies the US commitment to ensuring safe maritime trade through the Hormuz Strait.