The United States is fast-tracking the deployment of amphibious ships and thousands of Marines to the Middle East as its military operation against Iran continues, sources told NBC and Newsmax.
Pentagon officials have ordered at least 2,200 Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to depart San Diego ahead of schedule, with the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer leading the movement.
Additional transport ships carrying F‑35 fighters, missiles, and landing equipment are also headed toward the region.
The reinforced flotilla is expected to sail through the Indo‑Pacific toward the Middle East, where it will link up with other US naval assets. Estimates suggest the total force could reach about 8,000 troops, including up to 5,000 Marines.
Reuters sources say the White House is considering further ground deployments, including a landing near the Strait of Hormuz, sending troops to Khark Island — a key route for Iranian oil exports — or seizing Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles.
President Donald Trump has not yet approved additional ground forces. The US currently maintains about 50,000 troops in the region.
The operation, named Epic Fury, began on Feb. 28 alongside Israel, with Trump saying its goal is to protect Americans and allies from Iranian threats.
White House sources told Axios that officials expected a quick, decisive victory, but CENTCOM is now preparing for a longer campaign, potentially lasting 100 days or more, Politico reports.