Pentagon Deploys Additional Marines to Iran Amid Ongoing Conflict
The Pentagon is reportedly assigning around 2,500 Marines stationed in California to Iran, as President Donald Trump aims to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international shipping amidst the current Middle Eastern tensions.
The 11th Marine Expeditionary Force, based in San Diego and includes the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer along with two other support vessels, is engaged in a multi-week mission in the vicinity. This was reported by Wall Street Journal on Friday.
Additionally, similar-sized forces are already underway, including the USS Tripoli, another amphibious assault ship originating from Japan, and two other vessels. This group, comprising about 2,200 Marines, reportedly passed through the Malacca Strait north of Singapore on Wednesday and is anticipated to reach Iran by the end of March. This escalation brings the number of deployed troops in the region to nearly 5,000.
In the meantime, President Trump has indicated that he might consider “scaling back” military efforts in Iran following three weeks of combat.
Trump mentioned, “We are contemplating reducing the extensive military engagement in the Middle East against Iran’s terrorist regime, and we’re quite close to fulfilling that objective,” in a post on Truth Social.
He outlined the objectives of Operation Epic Fury, as follows:
- Completely dismantle Iran’s missile capabilities and their associated systems.
- Obliterate Iran’s defense manufacturing infrastructure.
- Neutralize Iran’s navy and air force, including their anti-aircraft systems.
- Prevent Iran from approaching any nuclear capability and maintain a quick and forceful response readiness.
- Protect U.S. allies in the Middle East, including Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
“The Strait of Hormuz should be monitored and secured by the countries that utilize it, not the United States!” Trump elaborated, stating that while the U.S. would assist if requested, the need for such support should diminish once the Iranian threat is neutralized.
When asked about the possibility of ground troops being deployed to Iran, Trump stated he had no plans to send troops “anywhere.” Public sentiment indicates that Americans are wary of extensive ground combat operations.
Despite the increased military presence, Iran continues to respond aggressively, threatening to target tourist sites.
Iran’s military spokesperson, General Abolfazl Shekarchi, warned on Friday that “recreational parks and tourist centers globally” could become targets in what he termed the U.S. and Israeli leadership hunt.
He cautioned U.S. and Israeli officials, claiming, “Based on the intelligence we possess, even leisure and tourist locations worldwide will no longer be safe.”
