Breaking: Iran Strikes Bases, Criticizes US for Internal Negotiations

The U.S. Navy is looking to accelerate the return of two ships, currently in Singapore for maintenance, to the Persian Gulf. These ships have been specially refitted for minesweeping duties, a crucial capability given the rising tensions in the region.

Concerns are escalating over potential Iranian threats to mine the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint. In light of this, a senior Navy official has expressed the urgency of minimizing the time these vessels spend out of their operational area.

The official highlighted the limited options available in the Indian Ocean for maintaining the Navy’s littoral combat ships stationed in Bahrain. Thus, completing the maintenance in Singapore, which is approximately 6,300 km (3,915 miles) away, has become a priority. The aim is to ensure these ships return swiftly to their base of operations, although no specific timeline was provided.

These developments come against the backdrop of increased hostilities following the onset of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Tehran’s aggressive actions, including targeting nations hosting U.S. military bases, have effectively led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This has resulted in a significant disruption, affecting roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, triggering a severe energy supply crisis.

Since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, Tehran has attacked countries that host US bases and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural ​gas, causing the worst energy supply shock in history.

Iran has deployed mines in the strait, sources have said, and its Defence Council on Monday warned various types of mines, including floating mines deployed from the coast, could be used if the US were to blockade Kharg Island, Tehran’s main oil export hub.