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More than 3,500 U.S. troops, including roughly 2,500 Marines aboard the USS Tripoli, have arrived in the Middle East as the conflict with Iran intensifies, U.S. officials said Saturday.
U.S. Central Command confirmed the deployment, saying the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit have entered the region’s area of responsibility.
The USS Tripoli, one of the Navy’s most advanced “big deck” amphibious warships, is capable of operating F-35 Lightning II aircraft, Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and other aviation assets. The ship had been stationed in Japan before receiving deployment orders earlier this month.
Additional forces are en route, including the USS Boxer and two accompanying vessels, along with another Marine Expeditionary Unit from San Diego.
Escalating military campaign
The buildup comes as U.S. strikes against Iranian-linked targets continue to expand under Operation Epic Fury, which began Feb. 28.
Central Command said more than 11,000 targets have been hit since the operation started, underscoring the scale of the ongoing campaign.
At least 10 U.S. service members were injured this week, including two seriously, after Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
U.S. weighs next steps
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that the United States can achieve its objectives without deploying ground troops, but emphasized that Donald Trump is preparing for multiple contingencies.
American forces in the region are positioned to give the president “maximum optionality,” Rubio said.
Global impact grows
The widening conflict has disrupted global markets and transportation networks. Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz— a critical chokepoint for oil shipments — has significantly reduced exports and driven fuel prices higher.
The situation has also affected international air travel and shipping routes, forcing countries to seek alternatives.
Houthis enter the conflict
The Iran-backed Houthi movement announced Saturday it had joined the conflict, claiming missile launches toward Israel.
A spokesperson for the group, Yahya Saree, said the strikes were coordinated with attacks by Iran and Hezbollah. Israel said it intercepted at least one projectile but did not immediately confirm additional strikes.
Analysts warn the Houthis’ involvement could further destabilize global shipping, particularly in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital route for vessels heading toward the Suez Canal.
About 12% of global trade passes through Bab el-Mandeb, while roughly 10% of maritime trade — including a significant share of container shipping — moves through the Suez Canal each year.
Rising risks at sea
The Houthis have previously targeted commercial shipping, attacking more than 100 vessels between late 2023 and early 2025. Renewed assaults could further strain global supply chains and increase energy costs.
Their involvement may also complicate U.S. naval operations, including the positioning of the USS Gerald R. Ford, which arrived in Croatia for repairs but could be redirected if tensions escalate.
Diplomatic efforts stall
The U.S. has given Iran until April 6 to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but Tehran has rejected a proposed ceasefire framework presented by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff.
The U.S. proposal included limits on Iran’s nuclear program and reopening key shipping lanes. Iran countered with demands for reparations and recognition of its claims over the strategic waterway.
With military operations intensifying and diplomatic efforts stalled, the conflict shows no immediate signs of easing, raising the risk of broader regional escalation and continued disruption to global markets.
