The United States is deploying additional Marines and warships to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran, according to two officials who confirmed the development to CBS News.
The reinforcements are expected to come from an amphibious ready group and its Marine expeditionary unit. One official disclosed that the deployment would be led by the Japan-based USS Tripoli (LHA-7), a large amphibious assault ship capable of carrying troops, aircraft and military equipment.
A typical unit led by the USS Tripoli consists of about 5,000 sailors and Marines spread across multiple warships, providing the US military with rapid-response capabilities in crisis zones.
The deployment comes shortly after US President Donald Trump claimed that American forces had “totally obliterated” Iranian military infrastructure on Kharg Island in the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial corridor for global oil shipments.
Rising hostilities between Washington and Tehran have already triggered retaliatory Iranian strikes targeting Israel and US military installations across the Middle East.
The attacks have disrupted major international air travel hubs and pushed global oil prices sharply higher.
Escorting oil tankers
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump suggested the US Navy could soon begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz to secure shipping routes. “It will happen soon,” the president said.
According to the US Central Command, which reportedly requested the reinforcements, the deployment was approved by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Meanwhile, parts of a missile defence system currently stationed in South Korea are also being relocated to the Middle East, according to officials cited by the Washington Post and South Korean media.
Tensions intensified further after Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed in a televised statement that Tehran would continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz and “avenge the blood” of Iranians killed in the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel.
He also warned neighbouring countries against hosting American military bases as the crisis deepens.
