WASHINGTON 

U.S. naval vessels have begun accompanying U.S.-flagged commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the Pentagon confirmed Friday.

The move comes after US officials warned that Iran - whose border spans the northern expanse of the strait, which is a pivotal transit point for commerce between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman - could shut down the hub in any potential conflict.

The strait is viewed as being strategically important with roughly 20 percent of global oil production passing through it daily.

Iranian naval ships reportedly confronted and seized the Marshall Islands-flagged M/V Maersk Tigris on Tuesday in the strait, which some U.S. observers saw as a provocative display of power from Tehran as it continues to broker a nuclear accord with the P5 +1 group, which comprises the U.S,  U.K., France, China, Russia plus Germany.

After gaining military control of the Marshall Islands from Japan in 1944, the United States assumed administrative control of the islands under UN auspices following the end of World War II.

The Marshall Islands signed an agreement with the U.S. in 1983 and gained independence in 1986 under an accord which gives the U.S. authority and responsibility for security and defense operations involving the islands, including vessels flying the Marshallese flag.

A Defense official told The Anadolu Agency that NAVCENT, the Navy’s relevant regional command, has sufficient naval assets to accompany U.S.-flagged ships in the strait.

“NAVCENT will coordinate with shipping industry representatives to ensure accompanying operations are conducted smoothly and efficiently,” the official said.