Middle East Crisis Strait of Hormuz

10,000 US troops participate in the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz

More than 10,000 US troops are participating in the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This was announced by US Commander-in-Chief Dan Caine and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at a press conference, reports the AP.

In total, there are 16 ships involved: eleven destroyers, three amphibious assault ships, an aircraft carrier and a littoral combat ship, says Hegseth. He adds that this corresponds to less than 10 percent of the naval force in the Middle East, which amounts to about 300 ships.

– There is a lot out there. It is like driving a sports car through a full parking lot on a payday weekend, with thousands of people around, while trying to get to a ship that is trying to break the blockade, says Dan Caine.

US President Donald Trump ordered the blockade after peace talks collapsed over the weekend, in an attempt to push for a deal with Iran.

US Warns Ships in Hormuz: May Have to Use Force

Ships that do not comply with the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz may be boarded or met with force. This is what US commander-in-chief, General Dan Caine, said at a press conference, CNN reports.

He says the blockade covers all ships heading to or from Iranian ports, regardless of nationality.

– So far, 13 ships have made the wise choice to turn back. As of this morning, US Central Command has not had to board any ships, he says.