- By Nidhi Giri
- Sun, 29 Mar 2026 08:20 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
US-Iran War Latest News: A major US military deployment has reached the Middle East, as the USS Tripoli (LHA-7) arrived on Saturday carrying around 3,500 sailors and marines, according to US Central Command. The move marks Washington’s most significant troop buildup in the region in two decades. This is likely to add a new dimension to the war that began on February 28 with the US-Israel joint strikes on Iran.
"US Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 27. The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about 3,500 Sailors and Marines in addition to transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault and tactical assets," CENTCOM said in a post on X.
U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 27. The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about… pic.twitter.com/JFWiPBbkd2
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 28, 2026
CENTCOM released images showing marines dressed in full combat gear, complete with helmets and protective goggles. These marines join the 50,000 US troops already deployed across the Middle East.
The USS Tripoli is not only transporting marines but also bringing along transport planes, strike fighters, and amphibious assault equipment, adding to US capabilities to the region.
US Plans Ground Operation In Iran
According to a CBS report, the Pentagon is expected to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East. The news report said, citing a source familiar with the planning, that the Pentagon is planning to send elements of the division, including a command component and some ground forces, to the region.
Ground Operation In Kharg Island?
A possible ground operation in the Kharg Island is also being contemplated by the US. Meanwhile, Iranians have started laying mines and moved additional forces to the Island.
A CNN report quoting unnamed sources suggested that Iran has also been laying traps including anti-personnel and anti-armor mines around the island, where US troops could possibly stage an amphibious landing. The Kharg island is said to handle roughly 90 per cent of the country's crude exports.
(With Agency Inputs