Citing Concerns About Iran U.S. Navy Warships Will Now Escort U.S.-Flagged Commercial Vessels That Pass Through the Strait of Hormuz

CNN: Navy to escort U.S. commercial ships near Iran

Washington (CNN)CNN has learned that U.S. Navy warships will now accompany U.S.-flagged commercial vessels that pass through the Strait of Hormuz due to concerns that ships from Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps navy could try to seize a U.S. cargo ship.

Pentagon officials provided clarification Thursday afternoon that not every ship will necessarily be accompanied by the Navy. But this is still a significant change in the U.S. military posture in the Strait.

The classified plan was approved by the Pentagon earlier Thursday, according to a senior defense official.

WNU Editor: Apparently the seizure of a container ship two days was not the first time that Iran has tried to seize cargo ships in the past week .... Iranian navy 'harassed' American cargo ship just days before they seized second vessel carrying 34 sailors (Daily Mail) .... in turn it looks like a lot of shipping companies lobbied the U.S. government for protection, hence we have today's announcement that US-flagged  ships will not be escorted.

More News On U.S. Navy Warships Will Now Escort U.S.-Flagged Commercial Vessels That Pass Through the Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Navy Starts Accompanying Ships in Strait Where Iran Seized Cargo Carrier -- WSJ
U.S. Navy starts to accompany U.S. ships passing through Strait of Hormuz -- Reuters
U.S. Navy escorting American ships in Strait of Hormuz amid Iran tension -- CBS/AP
US Navy to assist US-flagged ships through Strait of Hormuz -- BBC
U.S. Accompanying U.S.-Flagged Ships in Strait of Hormuz -- Bloomberg
US Navy to accompany US-flagged ships in Persian Gulf after Iran seizes vessel -- FOX News
Navy will escort U.S. ships traveling near Iran -- Virginia Pilot
US Navy to Accompany US-Flagged Ships Through Strait of Hormuz -- Defense One