US military deploys forces to Middle East amid tensions in the Strait of Hormuz

The Pentagon is increasing its military presence in the Middle East by deploying an amphibious ready group to the Strait of Hormuz. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth approved the request from the US Central Command (CENTCOM) to enhance maritime security in the region. Reports regarding the scale of the deployment vary: some sources cite a unit of 2,200 Marines, specifically the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, while other reports mention a larger force of up to 5,000 personnel. The force includes three amphibious warships, a squadron of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, and Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. General Dan Cain, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged that the region presents a complex tactical environment and that immediate prevention of Iranian attacks on transit vessels may not be feasible. Defense officials emphasized that the deployment is not intended for ground operations in Iran but rather to ensure the freedom of navigation and secure trade flows. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit was previously stationed in Japan before being redirected to the Middle East.