Analysis: Buildup of American forces in Persian Gulf a new signal of worsening US-Iran conflict

[phkrause]

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Thousands of Marines backed by advanced U.S. fighter jets and warships are slowly building up a presence in the Persian Gulf. It’s a sign that while America’s wars in the region may be finished, its conflict with Iran over its advancing nuclear program continues to worsen, with no solutions in sight.

https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-persian-gulf-tensions-military-deployments-04b2ecc5b7c0ec488647481f82a927c6?

Why this matters: Washington has been seeing once again that while it’s easy to get into the Middle East militarily, it’s difficult to ever get fully out — particularly as Iran now enriches uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels after the collapse of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. There is no sign that diplomacy will revive the deal soon, as Iran resumes harassing and seizing ships trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.   For hard-liners in Tehran’s theocracy, the move projects power to surrounding nations. It also serves as a warning to the U.S. and allies that the Islamic Republic has the means to retaliate, particularly as American sanctions result in the seizure of ships carrying Iranian crude oil.   For the U.S., keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping remains a priority to ensure global energy prices don’t spike, particularly as Russia’s war on Ukraine pressures markets. Gulf Arab nations need the waterway to get their oil to market and worry about Iran’s intentions in the wider region. Those fears have cemented the longtime American presence in the Persian Gulf.

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