US Sends Warships and 15,000 Troops to Strait of Hormuz

Middle East outlets focus on the human cost and the risk of a wider US‑Iran clash in the Strait of Hormuz. They report that at least ten civilian sailors have died and that US forces claim to have destroyed six Iranian boats and intercepted missiles while trying to reopen the waterway. They also stress Iran’s warnings that it will attack US forces and its description of the escort plan as piracy and a violation of its rights in the strait.

• •At least ten civilian sailors have died during the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Senator Marco Rubio.
• •US military sources say they downed Iranian missiles and sank six Iranian boats that were approaching or targeting civilian ships.
• •Iranian leaders describe the US escort plan as piracy and an attempt to seize control of the Strait of Hormuz.
• •Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned they will deliver a firm response to ships they see as crossing the strait unlawfully.
• •Regional coverage notes that US warships are directing commercial traffic through Oman’s territorial waters to bypass direct confrontation with Iran.