Kurilla’s go to could also be seen as sending a message to U.S. adversaries within the area, together with Iran, of Washington’s capabilities, together with submarines that may carry as much as 20 submarine-launched ballistic missiles with a number of warheads.
A protection official mentioned Kurilla’s go to was not a response to any current occasion or provocation, however is extra a sign after months of mounting tensions, which have seen assaults in opposition to areas housing U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria.
In June, U.S. officers mentioned assaults by Iranian proxies in opposition to bases housing U.S. army personnel in Iraq and Syria have been growing, whereas Washington had not responded with pressure since 2021.
Iran has not appeared to publicly touch upon Wednesday’s submarine go to.
The submarine go to additionally comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to make use of nuclear weapons amid Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, with Iran changing into extra concerned within the warfare, together with supplying drones Russia has used to strike targets in Ukraine.
Kurilla’s journey to the submarine included a helicopter experience to a big ship, a experience to a smaller boat, then crossing a rope bridge to step onto the submarine, a U.S. army official mentioned. He additionally visited with the top of Naval Forces within the area, Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, they mentioned.
