More Marines, Warships Are Headed for Middle East
A file image of an MV-22 Osprey aircraft on the deck of USS Tripoli, docked at Garden Island in Sydney Harbor (Getty/SCM Jeans)
The United States is increasing its military presence in the Middle East as tensions with Iran rise around one of the world’s most important shipping routes, according to American officials.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has approved a request from U.S. Central Command to deploy elements of an amphibious ready group along with a Marine expeditionary unit. These deployments usually involve several Navy ships and roughly 5,000 Marines and sailors.
The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, based in Japan, is currently heading toward the region with Marines onboard. Officials said U.S. Marines are already operating in the Middle East in connection with ongoing attacks targeting Iran.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Navy ships could be used to escort commercial vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has been targeting maritime traffic. Before those escort missions could begin, the Pentagon is preparing plans to eliminate Iranian land-based anti-ship missile systems positioned near the waterway.
Officials told the New York Times that about 2,500 additional Marines are expected to join the more than 50,000 U.S. personnel already stationed in the region. Up to three warships are also expected to be deployed as part of the buildup.
Marine Expeditionary Units are designed to handle a wide range of missions, including amphibious assaults. They are also used for humanitarian operations, disaster relief, and evacuating civilians when necessary.
Despite the increase in forces, officials say the move does not automatically signal that a ground operation is being planned. It is also unclear whether the full 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit will be deployed.
The Tripoli Expeditionary Strike Group includes the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit along with the USS Tripoli, the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta. Officials also said F-35 fighter jets are being sent to the region as part of the military buildup.
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