The United States has deployed about 2,500 Marines to the Middle East as the conflict enters its third week now. The move comes after reports of an Iranian attack on shipping and energy infrastructure on the Persian Gulf, choking global oil shipments. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the decision on Friday, stating that Washington has been effectively dealing with the current situation.
The marines would be aboard amphibious ships of the US Navy. Their deployment comes as Iranian influence over Strait of Hormuz continues. According to reports, Hegseth has authorised the use of an “element of an amphibious ready group and attached Marine expeditionary unit, typically consisting of several warships, Marines and sailors.”
The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials, that the Japan-based amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli and the marines assigned to it are now heading toward the Middle East as part of the reinforcement. This comes after Hegseth proved a request from the US Central Command, for an element of an amphibious-ready group and attached a Marine expeditionary unit to head to the Middle Eat.
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Why Are Marines Deployed?
In times of conflict, the US typically deploys marines to forward-operating positions via sea or land. They act as a rapid-response force, responding to crisis within six hours of receiving orders. The US Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU) stay in strategic waters like the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) or the Mediterranean to respond quickly to regional instability. They are deployed for purposes like evacuating US citizens from unstable countries, protecting US Embassies, diplomatic personnel, securing vital locations and providing initial combat power.
Marine Units
The marine units can operate independently for 15 days in severe environments with organic logistics. Their combat assets reportedly includes MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotors, AV-8B Harrier or F-35B Lightning II jets, AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, M777 155mm howitzers, and Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs).
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News, stated that the war would end “when I feel it in my bones” highlighting the continuing of escalating tensions with Iran.