The United States is accelerating the deployment of ground forces, particularly Marines, to the Middle East, a move that underscores rising tensions in the region. According to reports from NBC News, the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit is joining forces already stationed in the area. The Marines are embarking aboard the USS Boxer, an amphibious assault ship, and will be accompanied by the USS Portland and USS Comstock, which will provide landing craft and other necessary equipment.
The unit consists of 2,200 personnel and is reportedly planning to potentially seize key oil infrastructure on Iranian islands. The Wall Street Journal reports that this deployment is intended to secure oil shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz and to exert pressure on Iran during negotiations.
The USS Tripoli, another amphibious assault ship, departed Okinawa on March 11 carrying the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, comprising approximately 2,200 additional service members. As of March 17, the Tripoli had transited the Strait of Malacca near Singapore and, maintaining its current speed, is expected to reach the Strait of Hormuz between March 23 and 27.
The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is a self-sufficient, rapid-response force equipped with ground, air, and logistical capabilities. Its composition includes infantry units with armored vehicles and artillery, an air component with F-35B fighter jets, MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, and helicopters, as well as a command element and a logistics support battalion. The unit specializes in swift, sea- and air-based operations.
A Small Island That Could Determine the Fate of the Middle East Conflict
Iran controls numerous islands off its southern coast, where it has developed oil infrastructure, deployed missile launchers, and concealed naval drones and speedboats in caves.
The most strategically important island in the Persian Gulf is Kharg Island, located approximately 450 kilometers north of the Strait of Hormuz. Nearly 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports pass through this island. On March 13, the United States reportedly destroyed approximately 90 military targets on the island, including ammunition depots and missile launchers.
Donald Trump stated that if Iran continues to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, the United States will attack the oil infrastructure located on the island, which covers just 25 square kilometers. The destruction of Kharg Island’s oil facilities would likely cause Iran’s economy to collapse and drive global oil prices sharply higher.
Former Commander of U.S. Central Command Frank McKenzie believes, “Fundamentally, You’ll see two options. You can destroy the oil infrastructure – which would cause irreversible damage to the Iranian and global economies – or you can seize it and employ it as leverage without permanently destroying the world economy.”
Several Other Islands Could Become American Targets
The 31st Expeditionary Unit can launch attacks against islands in the Strait using either a traditional amphibious landing with troops and equipment from the USS Tripoli, or an airborne assault utilizing F-35B fighter jets and helicopters capable of vertical takeoff and landing. These aircraft can operate from the ship or from bases in nearby Gulf countries – regional allies have already authorized the United States to launch missiles from their territory against Iran.
According to an American newspaper, another strategic target could be Qeshm Island, located directly adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz. This island contains underground tunnels housing Iranian naval vessels and missiles. Control of Qeshm Island would give Iran the ability to control traffic through the Strait. The United States could seize Lesser Tunb Island, west of Qeshm, which has an airfield, or Greater Tunb Island to the east, where Iranians store small patrol boats.
Political considerations are also at play: deploying Marines to islands off the coast allows the U.S. President to maintain a promise not to send ground troops onto Iranian soil. Former Vice Admiral John Miller, a former commander of the Navy component of U.S. Central Command, stated, “The islands around Iran are the ones that can provide a tactical advantage for a certain period of time.”
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(Cover image: Donald Trump on March 18, 2026, in Washington. Photo: Andrew Harnik / Getty Images)
