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Sources Xinhua

The United States has deployed approximately 3,500 Marines and sailors to the Middle East as part of its ongoing military buildup linked to the war with Iran, according to the United States Central Command.
US Central Command said the troops arrived aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7), which serves as the flagship of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit includes transport aircraft, strike fighter jets, amphibious assault vehicles and tactical military assets capable of supporting both sea-based strikes and ground operations.
The deployment is part of a broader US military buildup in the region amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. Amphibious Marine units are typically used for rapid deployment missions, including securing strategic locations, evacuations, and potential coastal assault operations.
Meanwhile, media reports indicated the Pentagon is considering deploying up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East to provide US President Donald Trump with more military options beyond diplomatic efforts. The additional forces could include infantry units, armored vehicles, and airborne troops already ordered to the region.
Although officials did not confirm the exact deployment locations, reports suggest the forces are expected to be positioned within operational range of Iran, including near strategic sites such as Kharg Island, a major Iranian oil export hub, as tensions continue to rise across the region.