US F-35s arrive in Middle East to help protect trade ships in Strait of Hormuz

US Air Force F-35s have been deployed to protect the Strait of Hormuz as the Iranian Navy continues "harassing" vessels.

The fighter jets have deployed to the US Central Command Area of Responsibility, in an undisclosed location, to help safeguard commercial ships and freedom of navigation in the busy sea passage.

It comes after reports Iran attempted to seize two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz - in which Iranians are reported to have fired on one of them.

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Sabrina Singh, US Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary, said the F-35s were moved to the region to "specifically to address what is happening in the Strait of Hormuz".

"This pattern of destabilizing behavior is contrary to international law, and it's incredibly disruptive to regional security," she said.

"That's why we announced the deployment of additional assets to help support maritime security."