NEW YORK – The US nuclear submarine Florida has entered the Persian Gulf in a show of force and as a deterrent to Iran, according to Bloomberg.
The submarine, although nuclear-powered, does not carry nuclear weapons. It can carry as many as 154 Tomahawk missiles or as many as 66 Navy SEAL commandos.
The US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, John Kirby said on November 6 that the US had sent an Ohio-class submarine to the Middle East to ensure the safety of US forces in the region. He did not specify which submarine was deployed or its destination.
The US Central Command said on November 5 that an Ohio-class submarine had arrived in its area of responsibility.
Pentagon Spokesman Pat Ryder said on October 31 that the US would be sending 300 troops to the Central Command region. He did not indicate exactly where they would be deployed, except to say that it would not be Israel.
The deployment of the Florida is the latest US military move in the region as tensions with Iran remain high. In recent weeks, the US has accused Iran of carrying out attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria. Iran has denied the allegations.
The US has said that it is committed to deterring any Iranian aggression and protecting its forces and allies in the region.
