CENTCOM Reports Entry of Eisenhower Strike Group into Persian Gulf; Goal: Ensuring Freedom of Navigation

The United States Central Command announced that the Eisenhower strike group, which was stationed in the Red Sea, entered the Persian Gulf on Sunday, December 5, after passing through the Strait of Hormuz to support CENTCOM's missions in the region. According to a post from CENTCOM's account on 'X', this strike group will ensure freedom of navigation in key international waterways, including the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, while supporting CENTCOM's requirements across the region. On November 28, the Houthi group of Yemen, supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, seized a 'British ship' and transferred it to the port of Hodeidah, Yemen. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement that day, holding the Islamic Republic responsible for the hijacking of this 'British ship' in the Red Sea, stating, 'This is another terrorist act by the Islamic Republic and reflects the escalation of Iranian regime aggression against citizens of the free world, which creates significant international repercussions regarding the security of global shipping routes.' An American defense official also stated on December 4 that a cargo ship belonging to an Israeli billionaire was attacked by an Iranian drone in the Indian Ocean. According to him, the drone exploded and damaged the ship, but none of its crew were injured. The Eisenhower strike group consists of the aircraft carrier Eisenhower, the guided missile cruiser Philippine Sea, the guided missile destroyer Mason, the destroyers Gravely and Dorsett, along with three air squadrons and an intelligence warfare command team. This strike group entered the Middle East on November 14 to ensure the United States' commitment to regional security and its partners, in response to multiple attacks by Iran-backed militia groups against American forces following the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7. Pentagon spokesperson: Injuries and brain damage result from attacks by Iranian proxy groups on American positions. CENTCOM reported: The Eisenhower strike group has arrived in the Middle East. Transfer of F-16 fighters to the Middle East to enhance American forces' capabilities. Pentagon: We hold the Islamic Republic responsible for recent missile and drone attacks. The U.S. Secretary of Defense warned 'any group or country' that escalates conflict in the Middle East. Blinken: We will respond decisively if Iranian proxies attack U.S. interests. Warning to the Islamic Republic and proxy forces; the U.S. will double its military presence in the region.