Thousands of U.S. servicemembers have deployed to the Middle East as the war with Iran enters its second month, underscoring the scale of the American military buildup in the region.
On Friday, roughly 3,500 Marines and sailors aboard the USS Tripoli — an amphibious assault ship — entered the U.S. Central Command’s “area of responsibility,” the military command announced on Saturday. CENTCOM oversees U.S. operations in the Middle East.
The vessel also carries transport aircraft, tactical assets and strike fighter jets. Photos posted by CENTCOM show soldiers wearing helmets, goggles and combat fatigues.
Since the war broke out in late February, the U.S. has built up a massive military presence near Iran, deploying thousands of Marines and warships to supplement the roughly 50,000 U.S. troops already stationed in the region. Last week, reports also indicated the Pentagon plans to dispatch at least 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division.
While the U.S. has launched thousands of strikes on Iran, it remains unknown whether a ground offensive will be undertaken — with President Donald Trump sending mixed messages about the prospect.
On March 2, he dismissed qualms about a ground campaign, saying he doesn’t have “the yips” and that he’d dispatch U.S. servicemembers “if they were necessary.” On March 19, he told reporters: “I’m not putting troops anywhere.”
Multiple recent polls show a majority of Americans are opposed to the war.
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