U.S. boosts its military presence in Persian Gulf

The United States is reinforcing its Navy ship and aircraft deployment in the Persian Gulf, in response to Tehran's threats to block the Strait of Hormuz, through which most of its oil is transported.

According to the LA Times, the Pentagon has released information about sending an amphibious assault ship, Ponce, to the strait area, which can carry up to 900 troops.

In addition, the number of minesweepers deployed to the Gulf has been doubled, to eight, and the number of F-22 stealth fighters and F-5C fighter jets has increased.