US Deploys Additional Marines, Warships to Middle East

March 13, 2026

This US Army handout photo taken on March 2, 2026, and released on March 13, 2026, by US Central Command Public Affairs shows a M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) conducting live-fire missions during "Operation Epic Fury" at an undisclosed location. Iranian officials led a pro-government rally in Tehran as explosions rocked the city on March 13, 2026, while the United States vowed it would intensify strikes in the coming hours and days. (Photo by US ARMY / AFP) / --- THIS PICTURE WAS BLURRED AT SOURCE --- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / US ARMY / US CENTRAL COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS" - HANDOUT - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

The United States is sending more Marines and naval assets to the Middle East two weeks after the start of its military campaign with Israel against Iran, according to US media reports on Friday.

Reports by The Wall Street Journal said the Japan-based amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli and its attached Marines are heading towards the region. Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that about 2,500 Marines aboard as many as three ships are being deployed to the Middle East.

US Deploys Additional Marines, Warships to Middle East — This US Army handout photo taken on March 7, 2026, and released on March 13, 2026, by US Central Command Public Affairs shows a M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) conducting live-fire missions during “Operation Epic Fury” at an undisclosed location. Iranian officials led a pro-government rally in Tehran as explosions rocked the city on March 13, 2026, while the United States vowed it would intensify strikes in the coming hours and days. (Photo by US ARMY / AFP) / — THIS PICTURE WAS BLURRED AT SOURCE — RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO / US ARMY / US CENTRAL COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS” – HANDOUT – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

According to CNN, the force being deployed is a Marine Expeditionary Unit, which typically consists of around 2,500 Marines and sailors.

The deployment request was reportedly made by United States Central Command, the military command responsible for American forces in the Middle East, and approved by the US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth.

US media said American Marines are already stationed in the region supporting operations against Iran.

The latest move comes after the United States and Israel launched a large-scale air campaign against Iran on February 28. Since then, Tehran has retaliated with waves of drone and missile attacks and has also targeted ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which about one-fifth of global crude oil trade passes.

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Toyibat Ajose

Toyibat is a highly motivated Mass Communication major and results-oriented professional with a robust foundation in media, education, and communication. Leveraging years of hands-on experience in journalism, she has honed her ability to craft compelling narratives, conduct thorough research, and deliver accurate and engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences.