WASHINGTON 

The U.S. Navy is now accompanying UK maritime traffic in the tense Strait of Hormuz, the State Department confirmed Monday.

Washington announced last week that the Navy would accompany U.S.-flagged ships after Iran reportedly detained the Marshall Islands-flagged M/V Maersk Tigris last Tuesday in the strategically important waterway.

Under a 1986 compact with the U.S. that granted the former territory independence, the U.S. has authority and responsibility for security and defense operations involving the Marshall Islands, including vessels flying the Marshallese flag.

State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke told reporters that the U.S. is now accompanying UK-flagged ships, and discussions are ongoing for other nations to include their vessels in the ongoing U.S. operations.

“The U.S. maintains a robust presence in the region to deter destabilizing activities, also to safeguard the maritime links that are so essential to the international community,” he added.

Approximately 20 percent of global oil production passing through the Strait of Hormuz daily.

Iran’s border spans the strait’s northern expanse, and U.S. officials have warned that Tehran might shut down the waterway in a potential conflict.