
The Pentagon is considering sending more warships to the Middle East to escort oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran has increased attacks on this strategic sea route, the Wall Street Journal reports.
According to two US officials quoted by the newspaper, the measure is being considered to ensure the security of oil transportation in one of the world's most important energy corridors, through which about 20 percent of global oil supply passes.
However, even if additional warships are sent, US forces will not immediately begin escorting the ships, as officials say the threat level from Iran must first be reduced.
Sources told the WSJ that this could take up to a month or more, while at the same time the US military continues strikes on Iran's arsenal of missiles and drones.