As Iran continues to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, the Pentagon is dispatching more Marine units and warships to the Middle East.
Three US officials told the Wall Street Journal that Defense Secretary Hegseth has approved a request from US Central Command to deploy an amphibious ready group along with its attached Marine Expeditionary Unit. Such a force typically consists of several warships and 5,000 Marines.
The Wall Street Journal pointed out that the US Navy’s USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship based in Japan, and its embarked Marines are heading to the Middle East. It is unclear whether this is part of the aforementioned troop increase.
Officials said that US Marines have previously provided support during military operations against Iran.