Pentagon approves deployment of amphibious Marine unit to Middle East

The Pentagon has approved the deployment of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to the Middle East, bolstering US troop levels and air power as Washington intensifies its campaign against Iran alongside Israel.

The MEU being deployed will come from the Indo-Pacific, according to US officials, and will include amphibious ships and fighter jets.

An amphibious Ready Group and Marine Expeditionary Unit, also known as an ARG/MEU, consists of about 2,500 Marines and 2,500 sailors.

The Wall Street Journal quoted US officials as saying the Japan-based USS Tripoli and its attached Marines are en route to the region.

The Journal said the request for the additional Marines was made by US Central Command, which is responsible for US troops in the Middle East, and approved by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.

There are already Marines in the region supporting operations against Iran, the newspaper added.

The United States and Israel launched a massive air campaign against Iran on February 28, and Tehran has responded with waves of drones and missiles as well as attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which is used for a fifth of global crude trade.