WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has deployed thousands of Marines to the Middle East as the conflict with Iran enters its second month, adding significant amphibious capabilities amid ongoing restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz and recent Iranian attacks on American positions.
Approximately 2,200 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived aboard the USS Tripoli and supporting ships in recent days, with another 2,500 Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit en route from California aboard the USS Boxer and its amphibious group. The deployments bring additional F-35 fighter jets, landing craft and other assets to U.S. Central Command’s area of operations.
The moves add to roughly 50,000 U.S. troops already stationed in the region prior to the escalation. The Marines provide commanders with options for maritime security, rapid response and potential operations to protect shipping lanes. The buildup follows Iranian missile and drone strikes, including an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on Friday that wounded at least 12 U.S. service members, two of them seriously, and damaged refueling aircraft.
Iran has enforced restrictions on commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz since early March, sharply reducing traffic in the waterway that normally carries about one-fifth of global oil trade. Only limited approved transits have been reported, contributing to higher oil prices and disruptions to energy markets. President Donald Trump extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the strait to April 6, citing backchannel talks.
The conflict began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in late February. Iran has responded with missile attacks on U.S. and allied positions and allowed Houthi forces in Yemen to launch missiles toward Israel. The Marine deployments support efforts to secure freedom of navigation and deter further aggression while diplomatic contacts continue through intermediaries.
As of Sunday, the additional Marine forces continued integration into regional operations. U.S. Central Command monitored Iranian activity and shipping in the Persian Gulf, with naval assets positioned to support ongoing missions. The situation at the Strait of Hormuz remained restricted, and officials assessed developments following the recent strike on Prince Sultan Air Base.
