politics
March 20, 2026
US speeds deployment of thousands more Marines, sailors to Middle East
The Pentagon is accelerating the deployment of thousands of additional Marines and sailors to the Middle East as the war in Iran enters its third week, according to multiple reports on Thursday. The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Boxer, as well as up to two additional ships, will head toward the region to bolster existing American forces sooner than they were originally scheduled to leave their post in San Diego.
TL;DR
- Thousands of additional Marines and sailors are being deployed to the Middle East.
- The deployment is accelerated due to the ongoing war in Iran.
- The mission aims to bolster U.S. forces and secure the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran's actions have disrupted maritime traffic and global energy markets.
- At least 13 U.S. service members have been killed in the war with Iran.
- The Pentagon plans to request an additional $200 billion for the war.
- France, UK, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Netherlands announced a joint effort to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
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