U.S. Sends 2,200 Marines Aboard Three Warships to Middle East, ABC News Reports

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The United States is dispatching a Marine expeditionary unit and multiple warships to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran, U.S. officials confirmed Friday. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), normally deployed to Japan and operating under U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, is being redirected to the region, officials said, carrying land, amphibious, and aviation assets available to commanders if needed.

The unit, comprising approximately 2,200 Marines aboard three U.S. Navy amphibious ships, includes a squadron of F-35 fighter jets and MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. While officials emphasized that the deployment does not signal the immediate use of ground forces against Iran, the repositioning provides the U.S. military with flexible operational capabilities in the Gulf and surrounding areas, sources told ABC News.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the movement of an amphibious ready group and the attached MEU in response to heightened Iranian activity in the Strait of Hormuz, according to officials cited by The Wall Street Journal. The repositioning is part of a broader effort by U.S. Central Command to reinforce regional deterrence amid a series of strikes on Iranian military assets.

President Donald Trump reaffirmed Friday that the United States intends to continue precision military operations against Iran. Speaking in an interview with Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade, Trump stated that U.S. forces have destroyed roughly 90 percent of Iran’s missile capabilities and severely degraded its air force and leadership, describing the ongoing campaign as ahead of schedule. “The Iranian Navy has been effectively eliminated,” the president said, noting that U.S. forces are searching for the remaining vessel in the fleet.

Operations to date, according to the president, have targeted missile and drone production facilities and involved the use of B-2 bombers during a mission referred to as “Midnight Hammer.” Trump emphasized that the U.S. is not currently focusing on Iran’s stockpiles of highly enriched uranium but is prioritizing the dismantling of strategic offensive systems.

U.S. military officials reported thirteen combat deaths during Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing campaign targeting Iran’s military infrastructure. Additionally, all six crew members of a KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq on Thursday were killed, according to Central Command. Hegseth also noted that Iran’s new supreme leader is likely wounded, contributing to uncertainty within the Iranian leadership, The Wall Street Journal reported.

NATO forces intercepted a missile in Turkish airspace for the third time this month, highlighting ongoing regional risks. Separately, Iranian authorities held annual pro-Palestinian, anti-Israeli rallies on Friday, attended by some members of the regime, amid Israeli airstrikes in the Tehran area. Oil prices briefly rose above $100 per barrel following the U.S. decision to allow continued purchase of Russian crude already in transit, underscoring the conflict’s economic implications.

President Trump acknowledged the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that it is not currently open and that the United States is prepared to escort oil tankers if required. He cited coordinated releases from the U.S. strategic oil reserve alongside 32 other nations and signaled consideration of a temporary suspension of the Jones Act to facilitate domestic shipping and mitigate potential energy disruptions.

The president also discussed regional alliances, noting that Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, and Bahrain have strengthened cooperation between those nations and the United States. He highlighted the deployment of Patriot missile systems by allied states, which have intercepted incoming threats with near-total accuracy, according to his statements.

Domestic security incidents were also addressed, including an attack at Old Dominion University by a naturalized citizen previously convicted of supporting ISIS, a synagogue attack in Michigan, and an improvised explosive device found near New York’s Gracie Mansion. Trump linked these events to prior immigration policies and emphasized that the southern border has been fully secured under his administration.

On legislative priorities, the president mentioned the “Save America Act,” focused on voter identification and proof of citizenship. Trump stated that the measures are supported by 86 percent of Democrats, despite political opposition, and framed the act as part of national security and electoral integrity objectives.

Trump further noted an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting that despite economic competition, relations remain stable. He referenced reports of energy shortages in China, including long gas lines, as part of the context for the diplomatic engagement.

The deployment of U.S. Marines and accompanying naval assets, combined with ongoing precision strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, underscores the United States’ commitment to sustaining operational pressure and maintaining regional security, officials said.

This article was updated on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 08:40.