The U.S. military will deploy more than 100 aircraft and 15,000 personnel starting Monday to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump announced. The operation aims to ensure safe passage through one of the world's most critical shipping chokepoints, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and handles roughly one-third of global maritime trade.
The scale of the deployment underscores heightened tensions in the region. The strait has faced recurring security threats from Iranian-backed forces and regional instability that have disrupted shipping and raised insurance costs for vessels transiting the waterway. Trump's commitment of substantial military resources signals a shift toward direct U.S. involvement in protecting commercial traffic rather than relying solely on naval presence or international coordination.
The operation addresses shipping industry concerns about vulnerability in the corridor. Recent attacks and seizures of vessels have prompted some companies to reroute around Africa, adding weeks to voyages and increasing operational costs. The military escort system aims to restore confidence in the strait's safety and prevent further disruptions to global energy and goods flows.
The deployment reflects broader U.S. strategy in the Middle East and Trump's stated priority of protecting American interests and ensuring global commerce stability.