US EditionU.S. to deploy thousands more troops and at least one more ship to the Middle East: Report
The deployment aims to reinforce U.S. forces amid escalating Iranian attacks and protect vital shipping lanes near the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. officials said.
- On Friday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved a U.S. Central Command request to deploy roughly 2,500 Marines and the Japan-based USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship to the Middle East as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
- After Iran intensified missile and drone attacks on the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global shipping nearly two weeks into the conflict, CENTCOM requested the amphibious reinforcement to expand operational options.
- U.S. and Israeli strikes have hit roughly 6,000 targets in Iran, while U.S. forces have sustained 13 service members killed and roughly 140 wounded. The 31st MEU includes about 1,100 ground combat Marines and supporting logistics units.
- Officials say the deployment expands commanders' military options without committing to ground invasion. Quinnipiac polling shows 53% of registered voters oppose military action while 40% approve, with 74% fearing rising energy prices.
- Sailing from Sasebo, Japan, the USS Tripoli remains over a week away from Iranian waters, accompanied by a combat logistics battalion capable of sustaining operations for up to 15 days amid reported contingency planning for raids or seizing Kharg Island.
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US deploys USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship to Middle East
The US is sending an amphibious assault ship, the USS Tripoli, and its Marine expeditionary unit to the Middle East according to a report by Axios quoting a senior US official. This includes personnel, F-35 fighter jets and warships. The decision comes as both President Trump and his defense secretary Pete Hegseth say the war is going very well for the United States. Story by Morgan Ayre.
More Marines, Warships Are Headed for Middle East
The US is sending more Marines and warships to the Middle East as tensions with Iran intensify around a key global shipping route, American officials said Friday. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized a request from US Central Command for part of an amphibious ready group and its Marine expeditionary...
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