Chicago – March 20, 2026
The United States is deploying around 2,500 Marines and an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East, marking a significant escalation of its military posture amid a widening conflict with Iran.
A U.S. official said elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli have been ordered toward the region after nearly two weeks of war with the Islamic Republic. Marine Expeditionary Units can conduct amphibious assaults, reinforce embassies, and evacuate civilians, giving Washington flexible options short of a full-scale ground invasion.
The move comes as President Donald Trump confirmed U.S. strikes on military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, a critical hub for the country’s oil exports, and warned that Iran’s energy infrastructure could face further attacks if Tehran escalates.
The deployment also follows Trump’s message to Israel not to repeat strikes on Iranian natural gas facilities after tit-for-tat attacks sent global energy prices soaring, deepening concerns over regional stability and energy security.
