The expanded US naval presence is meant to show Tehran that Washington is ready to safeguard shipping along the vital corridor, even at a moment of delicate diplomacy with Tehran over its nuclear program, experts said, Agence France-Presse reported.
American warships started "accompanying" US-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after commercial vessels were allegedly coerced or harassed by Iran's Revolutionary Guards less than a week ago.
US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter approved the operation, with Pentagon spokesman Colonel Steven Warren saying "this is going to continue for an indefinite period of time."
