The Trump administration has doubled the number of U.S. ground troops deploying to the Middle East for the war with Iran, sending an additional 2,500 Marines and three warships from San Diego, an official with knowledge of the matter told MS NOW. The deployment was first reported by the Associated Press.
The USS Boxer and two other amphibious assault ships have departed San Diego along with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which includes 2,500 Marines, the U.S. official said. Last week, the administration ordered three other warships and a Marine Expeditionary Unit with roughly 2,500 Marines to deploy from Japan.
It remains unclear when the forces will arrive in the region. Military experts said the Marines could be used to help U.S. Navy ships open the Strait of Hormuz, seize the Iranian island of Kharg — through which roughly 90% of Iran’s energy exports pass — or aid in a Special Forces operation to secure Iran’s reported stockpile of 1,000 pounds of enriched uranium.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump said in the Oval Office that he is “not putting troops anywhere” despite reports to the contrary. Military and maritime experts have suggested that ground forces may be needed in order to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
David Rohde
David Rohde is the senior national security reporter for MS NOW. Previously he was the senior executive editor for national security and law for NBC News. Recommended
