March 29, 2026 | 02:30 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday that a task force of about 3,500 Marines and sailors arrived in the Middle East on Friday as tensions continue to rise amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
“U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the US Central Command area of responsibility, March 27,” CENTCOM said in a brief post on social media platform X, as reported by Antara.
CENTCOM said the U.S. amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), which includes around 3,500 sailors and Marines, along with transport and attack aircraft, tactical equipment, and amphibious assault assets.
The deployment is part of a broader U.S. military buildup in response to the conflict involving Iran.
Amphibious forces are capable of launching attacks from the sea and conducting ground operations. Israeli news outlet Ynetnews reported on Saturday that such units are typically used for rapid deployment missions, including securing strategic locations, carrying out evacuations, or potentially launching assaults on coastal targets.
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that the Pentagon is considering sending up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East, a move that would give U.S. President Donald Trump more military options alongside ongoing diplomatic efforts.
According to the report, the additional forces could include infantry units and armored vehicles. They would join roughly 5,000 Marines and thousands of paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division already deployed in the region, citing U.S. Defense Department officials.
The report said the exact location of the planned deployment remains unclear, but the troops are expected to be positioned within striking distance of Iran and Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export hub.
Read: Iranian Media: 350 Ships Await Iranian Permit in Strait of Hormuz
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