Pentagon Says Two Navy SEALs Lost At Sea Were On A Mission Targeting A Houthi Weapons Shipment From Iran

This undated photograph released by the U.S. military's Central Command shows what it is described as the vessel that carried Iranian-made missile components bound for Yemen's Houthi in the Arabian Sea. U.S. Navy SEALs seized Iranian-made missile parts and other weaponry from a ship bound for Yemen's Houthi rebels in a raid that saw two of its commandos go missing, the U.S. military said Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. ((U.S. Central Command via AP)  

FOX News: US Navy announces first seizure of Iranian weapons bound for Yemen as two SEALs remain lost from mission  

U.S. Navy seizes Iranian missile components, warheads bound for Houthi rebels 

The U.S. Navy on Tuesday announced what's considered the first seizure of Iranian weapons bound for Yemen since Houthi rebels began their campaign of attacks against international merchant shipping in the Red Sea two months ago – yet the two Navy SEALs lost at sea during the mission carried out last week still remain missing amid search and rescue efforts. 

On Jan. 11, 2024, while conducting a flag verification, U.S. CENTCOM Navy forces "conducted a night-time seizure of a dhow conducting illegal transport of advanced lethal aid from Iran to resupply Houthi forces in Yemen as part of the Houthis’ ongoing campaign of attacks against international merchant shipping," U.S. Central Command said in a statement Tuesday.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: The Pentagon is claiming that they seized a large haul of weapons .... Incredible haul of weapons including ballistic missiles and warheads being sent form Iran to Houthi rebels is revealed after US Navy SEALs seized dhow during daring night raid off Somalia's coast as search for two seamen lost in mission continues (Daily Mail). But what I see are only a few components for rockets seized on a very small boat.

Pentagon Says Two Navy SEALs Lost At Sea Were On A Mission Targeting A Houthi Weapons Shipment From Iran  

US military seizes Iranian missile parts bound for Houthi rebels in raid where 2 SEALs went missing -- AP 

2 Navy SEALs lost at sea were helping seize Iranian warheads being sent to the Houthis, US says -- Business Insider  

U.S. forces recovered Iranian warheads in Navy SEAL mission gone awry -- Washington Post  

Two Missing Navy SEALs Helped Interdict Ship Transporting Weapons to Houthis -- USNI News  

Two Navy SEALs lost at sea were on mission targeting Houthi weapons shipment, says Pentagon -- The Independent  

Two US Navy SEALs missing after raid on boat 'taking Iranian weaponry to Houthi rebels in Yemen' -- Evening Standard  

Search continues for Navy SEALs missing during Iranian weapons mission -- AP

U.S. President Biden Says He Sent A Privat Message To Iran After Strikes On Houthi Targets In Yemen

 

BBC: US delivers ‘private message’ to Iran after Yemen strikes 

President Biden says the US has delivered a "private message" to Iran about the Houthis in Yemen after the US carried out a second strike on the group. 

"We delivered it privately and we're confident we're well-prepared," he said without giving further details. 

The US said its latest strike was a "follow-on action" targeting radar. Iran denies involvement in attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea. However Tehran is suspected of supplying the Houthis with weapons, and the US says Iranian intelligence is critical to enabling them to target ships. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Iran has responded .... Raisi Pledges Continued Support For Proxies, As Biden Warns Iran (Iran International).

 U.S. President Biden Says He Sent A Private Message To Iran After Strikes On Houthi Targets In Yemen

Biden: US delivered private message to Iran about Houthi attacks -- Reuters  

Biden says he’s sent a message to Iran with Yemen strikes, calls Houthis a terrorist organization -- CNN  

Biden sent private message to Tehran amid airstrikes: ‘We’re well-prepared’ -- The Guardian  

Message was 'privately delivered' to Iran after strikes on Houthi targets, Biden says -- NYPost

Iran Seizes Oil Tanker Off The Coast Of Oman

A map showing the region around the Gulf of Oman where the oil tanker St Nikolas was seized by the Iranian navy © Kevin TRUBLET, Anibal MAIZ CACERES / AFP 

 

CNBC: Iran seizes oil tanker involved in U.S. dispute off coast of Oman 

* Iran has captured an oil tanker previously involved in a Washington-Tehran dispute over carrying U.S.-sanctioned crude, state media said. 

 * Earlier on Thursday, the U.K. Marine Trade Operations said an unnamed tanker was boarded by armed individuals near the Gulf of Oman and appeared to change course toward Iranian waters. 

* The tanker is embroiled in a dispute between Iran and the U.S. and previously surrendered Iranian crude to U.S. authorities following allegations of sanctions violations. 

Iran on Thursday captured an oil tanker previously involved in a Washington-Tehran dispute over carrying U.S.-sanctioned crude, Iranian state media said. 

The Iranian navy seized the vessel St. Nikolas in the Gulf of Oman, the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency said in a Google-translated report, after it surrendered Iranian crude to U.S. authorities following allegations of sanctions violations. Iran says this forfeiture was actually theft. 

Earlier Thursday, the U.K. Marine Trade Operations said an unnamed tanker was boarded by armed individuals near the Gulf of Oman and appeared to change course toward Iranian waters.  

Read more .... 

WNU editor: If this escalates, expect oil prices to climb significantly. Update: The US is demanding the release of this tanker immediately (see video below). 

 

 Iran Seizes Oil Tanker Off The Coast Of Oman

Iran’s navy seizes oil tanker in Gulf of Oman that was at the center of a major US-Iran crisis -- AP  

Iran seizes oil tanker off Oman in dispute with US -- France 24  

Iran seizes oil tanker involved in US-Iran dispute in Gulf of Oman - state media -- Reuters  

Iran seizes oil tanker St Nikolas near Oman -- BBC 

Iran seizes oil tanker with links to US in Gulf of Oman -- The Guardian  

Iran says its navy seized tanker in Gulf of Oman -- DW  

Iran says it seized tanker in the Gulf of Oman over year-long dispute with US -- Times of Israel 

Iran seizes oil tanker linked to crisis between US and Tehran, military officials confirm -- FOX News

US President Biden Says US Air Strikes In Iraq Were Aimed To Deter Iran From Supporting Attacks On U.S. Personnel And Facilities

 

Reuters: Biden says US air strikes in Iraq aimed to deter Iran, militants from attacks 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military's air strikes on Monday in Iraq aimed to deter Iran and Iran-backed militia groups from conducting or supporting attacks on United States personnel and facilities, President Joe Biden said on Wednesday.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT The U.S. military carried out retaliatory air strikes on Monday in Iraq after a drone attack earlier in the day by Iran-aligned militants that left one U.S. service member in critical condition and wounded two other U.S. personnel. 

The back-and-forth clash was the latest demonstration of how the war in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas risks rippling across the Middle East.  

Read more .... 

Update: Biden Says Iraq Strike Meant to Deter Attacks on US Personnel (Bloomberg)  

WNU Editor: The Iraqi government has responded by making it public that they want the U.S. out of their country .... Iraq's PM says government working to end presence of US-led coalition forces in the country (New Arab).

US Accuses Iran Of Attacking A Chemical Tanker In The Indian Ocean

 

BBC: Tanker hit off India coast by drone from Iran, says US 

A chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean was hit by a drone launched from Iran on Saturday, the US military says. 

A fire on board the Chem Pluto was extinguished. There were no casualties. 

 Iran has not commented. Houthi rebels in Yemen - who are backed by Iran and support Hamas in its war with Israel - have recently used drones and rockets to target vessels in the Red Sea. 

But this event is the first of its kind so far away from there, according to maritime security firm Ambrey. 

The same company also said the vessel was heading from Saudi Arabia to India, and was linked to Israel. 

The Houthis have claimed to be targeting Israel-linked vessels over the conflict in Gaza.  

Read more .... 

US Accuses Iran Of Attacking A Chemical Tanker In The Indian Ocean  

Pentagon says Iranian drone ‘attack’ hit chemical tanker near India -- CNBC/Reuters  

US accuses Iran of attacking tanker in Indian Ocean -- Financial Review/Financial Times  

Pentagon: Drone launched from Iran strikes tanker in Indian Ocean -- Euronews  

Tanker Ship Off India Hit by Attack Drone 'Fired From Iran,' Pentagon Says -- VOA/AFP 

Iranian drone struck chemical tanker in Indian Ocean: Pentagon -- The Hill 

Pentagon says chemical tanker struck by Iranian drone in Indian Ocean -- CNN  

Chemical tanker 'is hit by drone from Iran off the coast of India - as Tehran threatens to close Strait of Gibraltar and Mediterranean sea unless Israel stops bombing Gaza -- Daily Mail 

Israeli-Linked Tanker Struck By Drone Off India, Signaling Attacks Set To Widen -- Zero Hedge

US Weighs Strike Options To Deter The Houthis With The Deployment Of The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group From The Persian Gulf Into The Gulf of Aden

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower transits through the Suez Canal on Nov. 4, 2023. | Officer Samantha Alaman/U.S. Navy via DVIDS 

Politico: US weighs strike options to deter Houthis from more Red Sea attacks 

The Biden administration has been reluctant to respond militarily against the Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in recent weeks for fear of provoking Iran. 

Top Biden administration officials are actively weighing options to strike back at Houthis in Yemen after the Iran-backed group launched new attacks on naval and commercial ships in the Red Sea on Saturday, according to two U.S. officials. 

The Pentagon has in recent days moved the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group from the Persian Gulf into the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Yemen, to support a potential U.S. response to attacks, said one of the officials, both of whom were granted anonymity to speak about sensitive plans. The military has also provided options to commanders to strike the Houthis, the official said.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Iran is claiming that they chased out the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group from The Persian Gulf .... Iranians Claim IRGC Chased US Aircraft Carrier Out Of Persian Gulf (Zero Hedge).  

Update: Pentagon has ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and one other warship to remain in the Mediterranean Sea for several more weeks to maintain a two-carrier presence near Israel as its war with Hamas grinds on .... Pentagon has ordered a US aircraft carrier to remain in the Mediterranean near Israel (AP).

Would A U.S. War With Iran Be Disastrous?

Jordan Cohen, The Hill: Despite Washington’s confidence, US war with Iran would be disastrous 

President Joe Biden’s administration is publicly attempting to avoid a war with Iran, but American officials continue to fan the flames of war with incendiary rhetoric as the war in Gaza risks expanding into a broader regional conflict. 

For instance, on Nov. 26, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said the Biden administration needs to take a “massive retaliation” against Iran to end attacks on U.S. assets. Ultimately, congressmembers, the Biden administration, and former defense officials are all sharing sentiments that Washington could escalate its move toward armed conflict in the face of Iranian aggression.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The economic disaster that would ensue with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a shutdown of almost a quarter of the world's oil supply will be incalculable. The U.S. is also not in a position to wage war against a foe like Iran. Military stockpiles and other resources are low due to the U.S. commitment to support Ukraine in its war against Russia, and Iran has spent years preparing itself in the event of an Israeli and/or U.S. attack. 

One should also not ignore the massive blow-back from U.S. allies who will be adversely affected by such a conflict. This is an easy prediction. A U.S. - Iran war will not receive the support from the West that the U.S. would want, unlike Iran who will be receiving enormous support from countries like China and Russia.

Reports Say the Biden Administration Is Preparing To Approve A Sanctions Waiver Of $10 Billion For Iran

(Mark Segar and Leah Millis/Reuters)  

Washington Free Beacon: Biden Mulls Approval of Fresh $10 Billion for Iran  

Sanctions waiver frees up money for Tehran as it funds Hamas’s war on Israel 

The Biden administration may approve a sanctions waiver on Tuesday that will allow Iran to access at least $10 billion in previously frozen funds held in Iraq, a closely watched decision that comes just a month after the Tehran-backed terror group Hamas launched an attack on Israel that left 1,200 dead.  

Read more ....  

Update: Reports: US Planning to Unfreeze Another $10 Billion in Iranian Deposits (Jewish Press)  

WNU Editor: The White House is refusing to acknowledge or refute these claims (see video below). 

Iran Says 4 U.S. Soldiers Were Killed In A Missile Attack At Two Bases In Eastern Syria

TEHRAN, Nov. 13 (MNA) – Four American military forces were killed and several others were injured after two US bases in Syria came under attack on Sunday night. 

MEHR News Agency: 4 US troops killed after American bases targeted in Syria 

The US bases in Syria's Deir ez-Zur and al-Shaddadi were targeted with drones and rockets in response to US airstrikes on the cities of Al Bukamal and Al Mayadin. 

Arab sources reported that the US base situated in Syria's Koniko gas field has been attacked with 15 rockets and missiles. The attack led to the killing of four US forces. 

The US base in Syria's al-Shaddadi was also targeted with three drones.

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: It should be noted that none of this has been confirmed by the US or other Western sources.

Growing Risk Of A Washington-Tehran Confrontation Due To Escalating Militia Attacks

Escalating Militia Attacks on U.S. Troops Risk Washington, Tehran Confrontation © Provided by The Wall Street Journal  

Wall Street Journal: Escalating Militia Attacks on U.S. Troops Risk Washington-Tehran Confrontation 

When a drone laden with explosives was found late last month lodged in the upper floors of U.S. barracks in Iraq, Pentagon officials quickly realized how close the suspected militia-launched weapon came to killing American personnel. 

In this case, the explosives failed to detonate, and there were no reports of injuries. But as the number of these attacks escalates, so too does the risk of a deadly incident that will demand a response from the U.S. military, edging it closer to direct confrontation with Iranian-backed groups it suspects are responsible. 

“They are aiming to kill,” a U.S. defense official said. “We have just been lucky.”  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Iraq's Shiite militias are taking credit for these attacks .... Iraqi Shiite militia claims responsibility for attacks on US bases in Syria, Iraq (Xinhua). U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has responded .... Blinken in Iraq: Attack on US Forces Violates Iraq’s Sovereignty (VOA).

U.S. House Passes Resolution 559 Which Says 'It Is The Policy Of The United States That A Nuclear Islamic Republic Of Iran Is Not Acceptable'

354-53: House passed a resolution "declaring it is the policy of the U.S. that a nuclear Islamic Republic of Iran is not acceptable...and to use all means necessary to prevent Iran 4 from obtaining a nuclear weapon." 3 Republicans & 50 Democrats voted No.https://t.co/SG74L2UwWp pic.twitter.com/1v68826FyC

— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) November 1, 2023

WNU Editor: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Congressman McCaul have been successful in having their resolution passed that declares it is now the policy of the United States that a nuclear Iran is unacceptable. 

 Congresswoman Elise Stefanik was blunt in her statement (link here) ....

.... Iran continues to expand its nuclear capabilities by enriching and stockpiling weapons grade uranium for the use of developing nuclear weapons. Following President Trump’s withdrawal from the flawed Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), President Biden actively pursued a new and worse nuclear deal with Iran. This resolution details Iran’s disregard for limitations on its nuclear program set by international bodies and recent estimations of Iran’s nuclear capabilities. 

“Joe Biden's desperate attempts to return to the era of Obama’s failed nuclear deal is an embarrassment. Promoting a strategy of appeasement towards Iran has allowed Tehran to advance their nuclear capabilities and decrease their breakout time for establishing a nuclear weapon,” stated Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. “While the Iranian regime props up Hamas and terrorist proxies in the Middle East whose stated objectives are to destroy our greatest ally, Israel, it has never been more crucial to ensure that Iran, the largest state sponsor of terrorism, does not have access to a nuclear weapon. A nuclear Iran is completely unacceptable. I am proud to lead this resolution to unequivocally stand against Iranian aggression and support the use of all means available to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.”

 Bottom line. 

If this resolution is signed by President Biden, the US government will then have the legal authority to wage war against Iran over its nuclear program. This story is not receiving the attention from the US media that it should.

White House Says Iran Is 'Facilitating' Attacks On US Middle East Troops

 

Reuters: White House says Iran 'actively facilitating' some attacks on US military bases 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The White House on Monday said Iran was in some cases "actively facilitating" rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed proxy groups on U.S. military bases in Iraq and Syria, and President Biden has directed the Department of Defense to brace for more and respond appropriately. 

White House spokesman John Kirby said there had been an uptick in such attacks over the last week, and especially over the last few days, but the U.S. would not allow its interests in the region to "go unchallenged."  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: At least the U.S. is not blaming Russia (for now). 

White House Says Iran Is 'Facilitating' Attacks On US Middle East Troops  

US Vows to Hold Iran Responsible for Attacks on Troops in Mideast -- Bloomberg 

Pentagon says it will hold Iran responsible for attacks on U.S. troops -- Politico

Iran Is 'Facilitating' Attacks On US Middle East Troops: White House Aide -- Newsweek  

Iran ‘Actively Facilitating’ Some Attacks on US Military Bases: White House says -- BNN

US Officials Warn Iran Against Escalation In The Israel - Hamas War

Full Interview: Secretary of State Antony Blinken with "Face the Nation" on October 22, 2023.#AntonyBlinken #Israelunderattack #HamasNazis #Gaza #Palestine pic.twitter.com/XlSqKabbfG

— Ex-muslim Rebel News (@Ex_muslimRebel) October 22, 2023

Times of Israel: US warns Iran against escalation, boosts military readiness, pulls some Iraq staff 

Pentagon bolsters regional air defenses as tensions boil over Israel-Hamas war, following attacks on US troops in Iraq, Syria by pro-Tehran militias 

The United States has warned Iran and its allies against any regional escalation in the wake of Israel’s war with Hamas, two top US officials said Sunday, hours after the Pentagon moved to step up military readiness in the region. 

With tensions mounting, Washington also announced Sunday it had ordered non-emergency staff to leave its embassy in Iraq. 

“We are concerned at the possibility of Iranian proxies escalating their attacks against our own personnel, our own people,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on CBS News. “We expect there is a likelihood of escalation.”  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Is the US ready to face drone attacks? I guess we are going to find out very soon .... Iran mobilizes proxies for drone war on US and Israel - analysis (Jerusalem Post). 

US Officials Warn Iran Against Escalation In The Israel - Hamas War  

Blinken, Austin say US is ready to respond if US personnel become targets of Israel-Hamas war -- AP  

US says it will retaliate if American forces are attacked in Middle East -- Al Jazeera 

Blinken Says Iran, Its Proxies Pose Risk of Escalating Ongoing Middle East War -- Newsmax  

Defense Secretary Austin says US is ‘concerned about potential escalation’ in Middle East -- CNN  

US worried about more 'attacks on our troops' in Middle East amid Israel-Hamas war: Austin -- ABC News

U.S. And Iran Trade 5 Detainees After Qatar Deal Unfreezes $6 Billion In Oil Revenue For Tehran

 

DNYUZ/New York Times: Iran Lets 5 Americans Leave as U.S. Unfreezes Billions in Oil Revenue for Tehran 

Five Americans who had been imprisoned in Iran were allowed to leave the country on Monday, according to White House officials, after two years of high-stakes negotiations in which the United States agreed to unfreeze $6 billion in Iranian oil revenue and dismiss federal charges against five Iranians accused of violating U.S. sanctions. 

The announcement that the Americans took off in a plane from Tehran just before 9 a.m. eastern, came as President Biden and Ebrahim Raisi, Iran’s president, were to attend the annual United Nations General Assembly meeting of world leaders on Tuesday.  

Read more .... 

 U.S. And Iran Trade Detainees After Qatar Deal Unfreezes $6 Billion In Oil Revenue For Tehran  

Live: Americans freed from Iran in prisoner swap land in Qatar -- BBC 

5 prisoners sought by the US in a swap with Iran have been freed and arrived in Qatar -- AP  

U.S. and Iran trade detainees after Qatar deal unfreezes $6 billion -- Reuters  

Five Americans freed from Iran land in Qatar before flying to the US -- CNN  

Five Americans fly out of Iran in $6bn oil money prisoner swap -- The Guardian  

5 Americans Freed From Iran Prison As US Hands Over $6BN In Controversial Deal -- Zero Hedge  

Who are the five American prisoners freed in the Iran-US prisoner swap? -- Al Jazeera

US Releases $6bn In Frozen Iran Funds For Swapping 5 American Prisoners

 

BBC: US releases $6bn in frozen Iran funds for prisoner swap 

The US has issued a sanctions waiver for banks to transfer $6bn (£4.8bn) of frozen Iranian funds from South Korea to Qatar, paving the way for the release of five Americans held by Iran. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Congress that the money would provide "limited benefit" to Iran as it could only be used for humanitarian trade. 

He also confirmed that five Iranians detained in the US would be freed as part of the prisoner exchange deal. Republicans condemned the transfer. One senator accused President Joe Biden of paying a "ransom to the world's worst state sponsor of terrorism".  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Iran's President has already said what he is going to do with the money .... Iranian president reveals plans for spending $6 billion gained in US prisoner exchange (FOX News). 

Needless to say. Republicans are furious .... Cotton: Biden’s decision to release $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds ‘shameful’ (The Hill). more here .... Donald Trump Rages at US Paying '6 Billion Dollars for Hostages' (Newsweek). 

 US Releases $6bn In Frozen Iran Funds For Swapping 5 American Prisoners  

The US moves to advance a prisoner swap deal with Iran and release $6 billion in frozen funds -- AP  

U.S. advances deal with Iran to swap prisoners, free frozen oil funds -- Washington Post 

US clears way for deal with Iran to free detained Americans -- ABC News  

Biden admin takes step advancing deal to free Americans held in Iran by issuing waiver for transfer of restricted Iranian funds to Qatar -- CNN  

US agrees to release $6bn in Iran funds as part of deal to free detained Americans -- The Guardian  

Factbox: Iranian-American prisoners involved in swap, fund release -- Reuters

US Reaches Deal With Iran To Swap Jailed Prisoners And The Unfreezing Of About $6 Billion In Iranian Oil Revenue

 

New York Times: U.S. Reaches Deal With Iran to Free Americans for Jailed Iranians and Funds 

The United States and Iran have reached an agreement to win the freedom of five imprisoned Americans in exchange for several jailed Iranians and the unfreezing of about $6 billion in Iranian oil revenue, according to several people familiar with the deal. 

As a first step in the agreement, which comes after more than two years of quiet negotiations, Iran has released into house arrest five Iranian American dual citizens, according to the lawyer for one of the prisoners.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Iran got what they wanted. 

US Reaches Deal With Iran To Swap Jailed Prisoners And The Unfreezing Of About $6 Billion In Iranian Oil Revenue  

Iran, U.S. advance deal to swap prisoners, free oil funds -- Washington Post

Iran transfers 5 Iranian-Americans from prison to house arrest in step toward deal for full release -- AP  

Iran releases to house arrest 5 US citizens in swap, fund deal -- Reuters  

Biden reaches $6B deal to free Americans in exchange for jailed Iranians -- FOX News  

Iran moves toward freeing 5 American citizens who had been imprisoned, in rare deal -- ABC News 

US aims to swap five Americans jailed in Iran for Iranians, oil money -- USA Today

U.S. To Deploy Sailors And Marines On Commercial Ships To Stop Iranian Seizures

U.S. moves to put Marines on commercial ships to stop Iranian seizures © Sgt. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean/U.S. Marine Corps  

Washington Post: U.S. moves to put Marines on commercial ships to stop Iranian seizures 

The U.S. military is readying plans to embark armed Marines and sailors aboard the commercial ships of interested private companies after a spate of vessel seizures by Iranian forces in the Middle East, officials said Thursday, a remarkable escalation that could put Washington and Tehran in direct confrontation. 

The effort has not yet received final approval, but it has buy-in from senior Biden administration officials and could commence as soon as this month, said one official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military planning. 

Marines from Camp Lejeune, N.C., have been flown to Bahrain and received related training, with additional personnel due to arrive soon aboard American warships. “We have a cohort on the ground,” the official said. He added that the “policy decision has pretty much been made.”  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: It looks like the U.S. and Iran are on a collision course to an armed confrontation on the seas. 

U.S. To Deploy Sailors And Marines On Commercial Ships To Stop Iranian Seizures  

US military may put armed troops on commercial ships in Strait of Hormuz to stop Iran seizures -- AP  

US to deploy Marines on commercial tankers to deter Iranian seizures -- France 24  

US Trains Navy Sailors, Marines for Possible Boarding to Help Ships Near Iran -- Bloomberg  

Report: U.S. Considering Plan to Put Military Personnel on Merchant Ships in Strait of Hormuz -- gCaptain

US Deploys Fighter Jets And Navy Destroyer To Middle East To Protect Ships From Iranian Seizure

Guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116) transits the Suez Canal July 14, 2023. US Navy Photo  

USNI News: U.S. Sending Destroyer, F-35s, F-16s to Protect Merchant Ships in Middle East 

The U.S. is sending a mix of Air Force fighters and a guided-missile destroyer to escort ships in and out of the Persian Gulf, a Pentagon press secretary said Monday. 

The U.S. is dispatching a mix of F-35 Lighting II Joint Strike Fighters and F-16 Falcon fighters to supplement forces already in U.S. Central Command as Iranian forces continue to attempt to seize merchant ships in and around the Strait of Hormuz.  

Read more .... 

US Deploys Fighter Jets And Navy Destroyer To Middle East To Protect Ships From Iranian Seizure 

DOD Increases Military Presence Near Oman -- US Department of Defense  

US to send F-35s, F-16s to Gulf region after Iran attempt to seize oil tankers -- The Hill 

US sending jets, warship to Gulf to protect ships from Iranian seizure -- AP  

US orders deployment of fighter jets and Navy destroyer to Middle East in response to Iranian activities -- CNN  

US sends F-16 fighters to Persian Gulf to fend off Iranian ship seizures -- FOX News  

US deploying F-16 jets to Strait of Hormuz to deter Iran navy -- Middle East Monitor

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Says 'No Nuclear Deal on Table With Iran'

 

VOA/AFP: Blinken Says No Nuclear Deal on Table With Iran  

New York — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that no new nuclear agreement was on the table with Iran, after quiet new diplomacy between the adversaries. 

"There is no agreement in the offing, even as we continue to be willing to explore diplomatic paths," Blinken said at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

"We'll see by their actions," Blinken said of the future relationship, calling on Iran to choose to "not take actions that further escalate the tensions" with the United States and in the Middle East. 

President Joe Biden took office with hopes of returning to a 2015 nuclear accord with Iran that was scrapped by his predecessor, Donald Trump. But EU-mediated talks collapsed and mass protests in Iran made Washington increasingly hesitant to strike a deal with the clerical state.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Blinken denies ‘agreement’ with Iran amid talk of informal deal (Al-Monitor)  

Update #2: Blinken Claims ‘No Agreement in the Offing’ amid Reports of New Iran Deal (National Review)  

WNU Editor: There is no common ground between the U.S. and Iran. And as for the EU maybe stepping in to arrange a deal, it is not going to happen. the EU is totally focused on the Russia - Ukraine war.

U.S. Says Iranian Forces Seize Second Oil Tanker Within 6 Days

 

Al-Monitor: Iran's IRGC seizes second oil tanker in Gulf waters in six days, says US Navy  

The incident happened off UAE coast of Fujairah and involved a Panama-flagged Niovi vessel. 

Iran seized an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, the US Navy said, in the second such capture in less than a week. 

The US Navy's Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, said in a statement that naval forces of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked the Panama-flagged Niovi vessel while transiting toward Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. 

The vessel was subsequently forced to reverse course into Iranian territorial waters in what the Fifth Fleet described as an “unlawful seizure.”  

Read more .... 

 U.S. Says Iranian Forces Seize Second Oil Tanker Within A Week

U.S. says Iranian forces seize second oil tanker within a week -- CBS/AP  

Iran seizes second oil tanker in a week in Gulf -U.S. Navy -- Reuters  

US Navy reveals footage of Tehran's vessels surrounding oil tanker -- Daily Mail  

Iran Seizes Second Oil Tanker In Arabian Gulf -- OilPrice.com 

Iran seizes second oil tanker in a week, US Navy says -- FOX News  

Iran seizes second oil tanker in a week as tensions with US increase -- SKY News 

Iran seized oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, says US Navy -- Middle East  

US Navy video shows a dozen Iranian fast-attack boats swarming an oil tanker in its latest maritime seizure -- Insider