The United States will deploy 15,000 service members as part of a new military operation it said is aimed at restoring commercial shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Axar.az informs, citing U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)'s X account, that the mission, directed by the President, will support merchant vessels seeking to freely transit through the essential international trade corridor. A quarter of the world’s oil trade at sea and significant volumes of fuel and fertilizer products are transported through the strait.

“Our support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy as we also maintain the naval blockade,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander.

The U.S. Department of State last week announced the launch of the “Maritime Freedom Construct,” a framework it said aimed at improving information sharing and diplomatic coordination alongside military operations in the region.

"U.S. military support to Project Freedom will include guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members," the statement added.

It should be noted that earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the operation would begin on May 4, Middle East time.