US Deploys F-16 Fighter Jets to Safeguard Ships from Iranian Seizures in Gulf Region

In response to growing concerns about Iranian seizures and the escalating ties between Iran, Russia, and Syria in the Middle East, the United States is bolstering its deployment of fighter jets around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. A senior defense official revealed on Friday that F-16 fighter jets will be dispatched to the Gulf region this weekend to reinforce the presence of A-10 attack aircraft, which have been conducting patrols in the area for over a week. This decision comes after Iran’s recent attempt to seize two oil tankers near the strait, including the firing upon one of them.

Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon, the official, who chose to remain anonymous, disclosed that the deployment of F-16s serves multiple purposes. Firstly, they will provide air cover to safeguard ships navigating through the waterway. Secondly, their presence will enhance the military’s visibility in the region, serving as a deterrent to Iran.

The United States Navy reported that on both occasions when Iranian naval vessels approached, they retreated once the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul arrived at the scene.

Furthermore, the defense official informed the press that the United States is contemplating various military options to address the increasing Russian aggression in Syrian airspace. This aggression has complicated efforts to target an Islamic State group leader. Although the official declined to divulge specific details about the options, they emphasized that the United States will not relinquish any territory and will continue conducting anti-Islamic State missions in the western part of Syria.

The intensification of Russian military activity, marked by increased frequency and aggression since March, stems from the growing cooperation and coordination between Moscow, Tehran, and the Syrian government. Their objective is to exert pressure on the United States to withdraw from Syria, the official stated. Russia is indebted to Iran for its support in the war in Ukraine, and Tehran seeks the United States’ departure from Syria to facilitate the transfer of lethal aid to Lebanese Hezbollah and to pose a threat to Israel. The official further explained that mid-level Russian and Iranian Quds force leaders in Syria have been engaging in cooperation, collaboration, planning, and intelligence sharing to pressure the United States into withdrawing its troops from Syria.

Presently, there are approximately 900 U.S. forces in the country, with additional personnel rotating in and out for missions targeting Islamic State militants.

The United States does not believe that Russian aircraft are planning to bomb U.S. troops or shoot down manned aircraft. However, concerns persist that Russian pilots may target Reaper drones, with the belief that such actions would not elicit a significant military response from the United States, according to the official.

An incident in March exemplifies these concerns. A Russian warplane sprayed jet fuel on a U.S. surveillance drone and struck its propeller, causing the U.S. military to abandon the MQ-9 Reaper, which subsequently crashed into the Black Sea. While tensions between the two countries escalated, the incident did not result in a direct military response, but instead prompted a telephone conversation between their respective defense chiefs.

Last week, Rear Adm. Oleg Gurinov, the head of the Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria, acknowledged joint training exercises between the Russian and Syrian militaries. In remarks carried by Syrian state media, he expressed Russia’s apprehension regarding drone flights conducted by the U.S.-led coalition over northern Syria, which he characterized as “systematic violations of protocols” designed to prevent clashes between the two military forces.

To avoid unintended clashes in Syria, where both sides maintain troops on the ground and in the air, U.S. and Russian military commanders routinely communicate through a deconfliction phone line that has been operational for several years. According to the U.S. official, these conversations often involve multiple calls per day and occasionally escalate into heated exchanges. The official provided an example, recounting how the Russians would declare a restricted operating zone in a particular airspace and claim to conduct military exercises there. The U.S. would refute these assertions, affirming that American forces were engaged in counterterror missions against the Islamic State group and intended to fly in that area. Consequently, tensions would rise as both sides vehemently protested and dismissed each other’s claims.

The most recent incident occurred on Friday morning when a Russian aircraft made repeated flights over the at-Tanf garrison in eastern Syria. The garrison serves as a training location for Syrian allies and a monitoring site for Islamic State militant activities. The U.S. did not have fighter aircraft in the vicinity and did not directly respond to the Russian flight.

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More about Iranian seizures

• US Deploys F-16 Fighter Jets to Protect Ships from Iranian Seizures
• Growing Ties Between Iran, Russia, and Syria
• Russian Aggression in Syrian Airspace
• US Forces in Syria
• Concerns over US and Russian Conflicts in Syria
• Incidents Between Russian Aircraft and US Drones
• Safety Concerns and Deployment of F-16 Jets