John Kirby: The U.S. and its allies are 'committed to ensuring' shipping security in international waterways

The Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council of the White House stated in an interview with the English section of Voice of America on Thursday: 'The U.S. and its allies are committed to ensuring the security of shipping in international waterways.' John Kirby, referring to attacks on commercial vessels in international waterways, emphasized the United States' increased capability for 'deterrence and response' to such attacks, aiming to stop the 'destabilizing behaviors' of the Islamic Republic. At the same time, Kirby stressed the 'importance of avoiding armed conflict' and stated that the United States is always prepared to defend its interests. The Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council emphasized that the deployment of additional military forces in the Persian Gulf is aimed at 'enhancing the defensive capabilities' of the United States and 'providing reassurance to allies.' Kirby reiterated the U.S. position on this matter, saying: 'We urge the Islamic Republic to stop these destabilizing behaviors.' He emphasized that the U.S. and its allies are 'committed to ensuring the security of shipping in international waterways.' Recently, a senior U.S. defense official announced that the country is sending F-16 fighter jets to the Persian Gulf to counter the seizure of ships by the Islamic Republic. This action is in line with strengthening the U.S. A-10 fighter aircraft. The U.S. Navy reports that in the past two years, Iran has seized at least five commercial vessels and harassed several others, most of these actions occurring in the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, the Persian Twitter account of the U.S. State Department announced on July 18 the order from the U.S. Secretary of Defense to deploy the USS Thomas Hudner destroyer to the Persian Gulf. According to this announcement, in response to 'concerning events' in the Strait of Hormuz, and by order of Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, the USS Thomas Hudner destroyer, along with F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, is being sent to the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman to protect 'freedom of navigation.' The U.S. and the Arab League issued a statement condemning any threats against commercial vessels. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned oil companies about the evacuation of confiscated oil cargo. The U.S. stated that it is not preparing for 'war with Iran,' but is focused on 'monitoring and preventing instability.' More ships and fighter jets are on their way to the Persian Gulf; the U.S. is strengthening its military presence.