The U.S. Department of Defense is sending more Marines and Navy ships to the Middle East as tensions rise near the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved Central Command’s request to send an amphibious force and a Marine Corps unit to the region.
These groups typically include several ships and approximately 5,000 Marines. Officials said Japan’s attack ship Tripoli (LHA-7) and its marines have headed to the Middle East.
The move comes as Iran steps up attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for global oil shipments.
Also read: Official explains why 2,200 U.S. Marines and 3 warships are sent to Middle East during Iran war
viral claims online
Some posts on X claimed the move meant the United States was preparing to invade Iran.
One netizen wrote, “The United States is in panic. The Pentagon sent 2,500 Marines to invade Iran, calling them ‘expeditionary forces.’ In other words, it sent them out to see if they would die.”
Another post said, “Trump says the war is basically over. Marines are getting different orders.”
Another user also wrote: “Awesome, land invasion is not far away.”
Which unit was actually sent?
According to reports, the unit being dispatched is the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU), which is usually stationed in Japan and is affiliated with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Now ordered to march to the Middle East.
Expeditionary forces provide a broad range of military capabilities that commanders can use when needed, not just for ground operations, officials said. The force includes advanced aircraft such as a squadron of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and a squadron of Bell Boeing V-22 Ospreys.
Why were they deployed, according to officials?
According to the Wall Street Journal, the move is intended to help respond to Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has said it wants to disrupt tanker traffic through the waterway, one of the most important routes for global energy supplies.
An amphibious readiness group typically includes multiple Navy ships, such as an assault ship, two transport dock ships, and a support ship carrying Marines and equipment.
Officials said the deployment is intended to bolster the U.S. military presence in the region and provide commanders with more options if the situation becomes more serious.
