Amidst heightened tensions, the United States Navy destroyer USS Ramage docked briefly in Lebanon, the US embassy in Beirut said on Sunday, amid heightened regional tensions. This was the first US warship in more than 30 years to do so. The USS Ramage is a guided-missile destroyer and is an Arleigh Burke ship. 

READ I Osama Bin Laden's son Hamza Bin Laden confirmed dead by the USA

One-day goodwill visit

The vessel, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, stopped on September 14 for a "one-day goodwill visit on the sidelines of its participation in ongoing efforts to ensure freedom of navigation and free-flow commerce in the eastern Mediterranean", a statement from the US embassy said. 

US Ambassador to Lebanon, Elizabeth Richard, and Vice Admiral James Malloy hosted "an on-board reception for US and Lebanese officials", it added. During the reception, the vice admiral and ambassador underscored "the ongoing commitment of the United States to be a strong and enduring partner for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), with the goals of enhancing military-to-military cooperation and promoting security and stability in the region", according to the statement. "This remarkable US ship, docked in this remarkable Lebanese city speaks volumes about the partnership between the US and Lebanese militaries," Richard said.

Reports quoted Elizabeth Richard, as saying that the ship’s presence is a “political message,” and that the U.S. relationship with Lebanon is not limited to military aid.  “We are committed to helping the Lebanese people during this difficult economic period,” Richard said. 

READ I US State Secretary Pompeo blames Iran for attacks on Aramco refineries

Tensions between the US and Iran

The US is currently engaged in a stand-off with Iran and its Lebanese ally, the Shiite movement Hezbollah, which has been slapped with US sanctions and classified as a "terrorist" organisation by Washington. Hezbollah is a key player in Lebanese politics, represented both in parliament and the cabinet. The movement is militarily involved in the war in neighbouring Syria, and having sent fighters to the aid of the Iran-allied regime. In July, the US imposed sanctions on three senior Hezbollah officials in Lebanon, including two lawmakers, in the first such move against members of Parliament.

READ I Hezbollah claims to have shot down Israeli drone over South Lebanon

At the end of August, powerful US financial sanctions were imposed on the Jammal Trust Bank in Lebanon, which was accused of acting as a key financial institution for Hezbollah, an arch-foe of US ally, Israel. The ship's docking comes as tensions spike between Hezbollah and Israel, including an exchange of cross-border fire on September 1.

READ I How India evacuated nearly 2,300 citizens during Israel-Lebanon war 2006!