United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that a task force of 3,500 Marines and sailors aboard the USS Tripoli has arrived in the Middle East. The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which together comprise about 3,500 sailors and Marines, along with transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault and tactical assets, CENTCOM said.
The arrival is part of a broader U.S. military buildup linked to the ongoing tensions with Iran. Several media outlets reported earlier on Thursday that the Pentagon is considering deploying up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East, providing Donald Trump with more military options beyond diplomacy. While the exact deployment locations remain unclear, sources say the forces are expected to be positioned within striking distance of Iran, including its critical oil export hub on Kharg Island.
