Washington (HRNW)-\u00a0The United States has expanded its military presence in the Middle East amid continuing tensions with Iran, while a large oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile and caught fire while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to US and UK officials.<\/p>\n
A US official told Al Jazeera that the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and the USS Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, carrying about 2,000 Marines, have departed San Diego for the Middle East. The broader US deployment plan reportedly includes three aircraft carriers and two amphibious ready groups, with the full deployment expected to be completed by November.<\/p>\n
Separately, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in a fire. The crew was reported safe, but authorities had not immediately released details about the vessel\u2019s name, flag or the full extent of the damage. Reports described the tanker as a supertanker capable of carrying about 2.5 million barrels of oil. No country or group has been officially held responsible for the incident.<\/p>\n
UK maritime authorities have advised vessels operating in the area to exercise caution and report suspicious activity. The incident comes amid several recent maritime security incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, a major global route for oil shipments.<\/p>\n
In the United Kingdom, counter-terrorism police have also arrested a British-Iranian dual national in London as part of an investigation into suspicious activity near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Police said the 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts, while five men previously detained near the airbase were released on bail. Authorities are examining several possible lines of inquiry, including potential foreign-state involvement. Iran has denied any connection to the incident.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, fighting has intensified in Taiz, Yemen, where Saudi-backed government forces and the Houthi movement have reported heavy clashes. Saudi Arabia has also said it intercepted Houthi missile and drone attacks, while the Houthis have continued to contest Saudi and Yemeni government claims.<\/p>\n
The developments are unfolding amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States and regional allies, with military deployments, maritime incidents and renewed fighting in Yemen contributing to broader security concerns across the Middle East. Responsibility for the latest tanker incident has not been officially established.<\/p>\n