US boosting military power at Hormuz Strait: Report

According to a Saturday report by The Wall Street Journal, the Pentagon submitted a request to Congress on February 7th on behalf of Central Command, demanding a USD100-million budget to be allocated to "bridge near-term capability gaps" in the Persian Gulf.

Based on the request, the US military plans to employ new mine-detection and clearing equipment, enhance surveillance capabilities and “quickly modify” weapons systems on ships in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Head of Central Command, Marine General James Mattis spearheaded the push urgently, in the wake of a number of examinations last spring which highlighted “gaps” in military capabilities and preparedness in case Iran blocks the strategic energy corridor.

The US military officials have notified the lawmakers that they require the modifications and upgrades to be implemented before fall.

The budget is slated to be spent to upgrade torpedo defense systems, fast-boat defense, mine defense and surveillance systems for aircraft carriers and purchase small Scan Eagle drone to improve surveillance of Iranian fleets.

The plan is yet to be officially made public, as Congress is still studying the request.

Tensions between Iran and the US over the Strait of Hormuz escalated after Washington and the European Union imposed sanctions against Iran's oil sector.

Iranian officials have warned that imposing sanctions against the country's energy sector would prompt Tehran to prevent oil cargos from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz is statistically one of the world's most important shipping lanes, as almost 35 percent of seaborne oil passes through it.