How deployment of 4,000+ US Marines could change war in Iran
Two flotillas bearing thousands of US Marines will give Trump more options to open the Strait of Hormuz, but deploying them to the Gulf will necessitate expanding a war that's already widely unpopular at home.
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon has expedited the deployment of a second contingent of more than 2,000 US Marines to the Gulf region as the White House weighs options to defend the Strait of Hormuz from Iran’s attacks, with or without allied support.
A US Navy Amphibious Ready Group led by the USS Boxer departed San Diego on Thursday carrying more than 2,000 US Marines of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) with orders to the Middle East.
Earlier this week, the Pentagon approved US Central Command’s (CENTCOM) request for another such flotilla, the Okinawa-based 31st MEU — carried by the USS Tripoli and its two accompanying warships.
In addition to an assault force consisting of roughly 2,200 US Marines, each expeditionary unit brings with it stealth-capable F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, M777 155mm howitzers, its own Stinger-based mobile air defense systems and specialized counter-drone capabilities.
