US moves to deploy more troops, amphibious warships to Middle East

The United States is preparing to deploy additional troops and amphibious warships to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran, reports Reuters.

According to the report, the large amphibious assault ship USS Boxer has departed San Diego ahead of schedule, carrying around 2,200 Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit toward the region.

Earlier, another group of about 2,200 personnel from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, aboard the Japan-based amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, also headed to the Middle East.

However, US President Donald Trump denied sending additional troops when speaking to reporters, saying, “I am not sending any troops anywhere. And if I do, I won’t be telling the media.”

The Pentagon declined to comment officially on the matter, citing operational security concerns.

Reuters reported that amid rising tensions with Iran, Washington is considering deploying additional forces and military assets to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route.

Analysts say such deployments could expand the scope of operations, including ensuring safe passage for oil tankers transiting the strait.

There have also been discussions about the possibility of military action targeting Iran’s key oil export hub, Kharg Island, which handles nearly 90 per cent of the country’s crude exports from the Persian Gulf.

US officials cautioned that any operation targeting the island would carry significant risks, given Iran’s missile and drone capabilities in the area.