US military develops 'Guardian' operation in Persian Gulf
The United States is developing a military operation called "Guardian," which will be deployed to protect sea lanes in the Middle East, the US Central Command said in a statement.
 |
| US aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf. |
The preparations for the operation in the Persian Gulf come amid the seizure of a British oil tanker by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on July 19 for violating international rules. It was later reported that acting US Defense Secretary Richard Spencer had approved the redeployment of military personnel to Saudi Arabia to "protect US interests" in the Middle East.
"US Central Command is finalizing the international maritime plan 'Guardian' to increase surveillance and security of important waterways in the Middle East, ensuring freedom of navigation in light of recent events in the Gulf," the statement said.
The purpose of the operation is to "promote maritime stability, ensure safe passage, and de-escalate tensions in international waters throughout the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb (BAM) Strait, and Gulf of Oman".
