WASHINGTON, July 8 -- More than 20 US Navy warships are currently patrolling waters across the Middle East as President Donald Trump warned that the United States could launch another round of military strikes against Iran, signaling a sharp escalation in the already volatile regional conflict.

The latest deployment was confirmed by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), which said American naval forces remain spread across key maritime corridors in the Middle East to maintain what it described as regional security and stability amid rising tensions.

"Today, more than 20 U.S. Navy warships are patrolling waters across the Middle East as CENTCOM forces continue promoting regional security and stability," CENTCOM said in a statement posted on ...