U.S. military forces in the Middle East are on alert as Iran is expected to conduct a major naval exercise in the Persian Gulf. The chief spokesman for the U.S. Central Command told CNN they are closely monitoring increased Iranian operations in the region. Captain William Urban says while they see no immediate signs of hostility from Iran, they are concerned as rhetoric from Iran towards the U.S. has increased recently. Officials believe the operations may be Iran's way of demonstrating their ability to shut down the critical Strait of Hormuz.
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