Washington, 14 April (H.S.):

The United States has escalated tensions in the Gulf by deploying more than 15 warships around Iranian waters, with the USS Tripoli operating F-35B stealth fighters and MV-22 Ospreys in the Arabian Sea. The naval buildup is aimed at enforcing a blockade linked to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.

President Donald Trump has warned that any Iranian fast-attack craft approaching the blockade would be destroyed, sharply increasing the risk of a direct maritime confrontation. The move has heightened concerns that even a minor incident at sea could spiral into a broader regional crisis.

The Strait of Hormuz remains strategically vital because it is a key route for global oil and commercial shipping, making any disruption a potential shock to energy markets and international trade.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar