US: We Are Not Preparing for 'War with Iran', Focused on 'Monitoring and Preventing Instability'

During a press conference on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State emphasized that in light of the 'ongoing threat from the Islamic Republic' and in collaboration with partners and allies, the U.S. Department of Defense is 'increasing its presence' and 'expanding its capabilities' in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters. This senior official urged the Islamic Republic to 'immediately' halt its destabilizing actions, which pose a serious threat to the uninterrupted flow of global trade through this strategic waterway. Matthew Miller, in response to a question about whether the U.S. is preparing for war with the Islamic Republic in the Gulf given its behavior in the region, stated: 'We certainly reject any preparations for war and assured that the increase in military presence is primarily focused on monitoring the situation and preventing further instability.' Previously, a senior U.S. defense official announced that the country is deploying 'F-16' fighter jets to the Gulf to counter the seizure of vessels by the Islamic Republic. This action is aimed at reinforcing 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 has harassed several others, most of these actions occurring in the Strait of Hormuz. The Persian Twitter account of the U.S. Department of State also reported on July 18 about the Secretary of Defense's order to deploy the destroyer 'USS Thomas Hudner' to the Gulf region. According to this announcement, the U.S. is sending the 'USS Thomas Hudner' destroyer along with F-16 and F-35 fighter jets to the Gulf and the Sea of Oman to protect 'freedom of navigation' in response to 'concerning events' in the Strait of Hormuz. More ships and fighter jets are on their way to the Gulf; the U.S. is strengthening its military presence. A senior Pentagon official stated that China, Russia, and Iran remain a focus for CENTCOM. The U.S. is deploying F-16 fighter jets to the Gulf. Iran claims it had a 'court order' for the seizure of the Richmond Voyager tanker. Exclusively, the United States, its allies, and partners in the world and the Middle East will respond to Iran's aggression. The U.S. Navy 'prevented the seizure' of two vessels by the Islamic Republic. Verification: Iran's regulations for transit through the Strait of Hormuz contradict international laws.