The U.S. Department of War has reportedly approved a request from U.S. Central Command to deploy additional troops to the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to reports on the 13th (local time).

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, citing three U.S. officials, these units include an Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), typically comprising several warships and 5,000 Marines and naval personnel, along with its subordinate Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

Two officials stated that the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Tripoli, stationed in Japan, and its accompanying Marines are currently en route to the Middle East. These Marines are already deployed in the Middle East to support operations against Iran, the officials added.

According to the Associated Press, approximately 2,500 Marines and at least one amphibious assault ship are heading to the Middle East.

ABC News reported that a Marine Expeditionary Unit, carrying about 2,200 Marines aboard three U.S. Navy amphibious assault ships, has been ordered to deploy to the Middle East.

Just the News reported that while such forces would be insufficient for a full-scale invasion of Iran, they could be sufficient for small-scale raids or occupations of islands in the Persian Gulf, such as Kharg Island or Qeshm Island.

Kharg Island, a small island in the northern Persian Gulf, is noteworthy as Iran's largest crude oil export hub, concentrating a supertanker terminal and storage facilities. Approximately 80-90% of Iran's crude oil exports pass through this location.

It is considered the pivotal terminal for Iran's crude oil exports, and analysis suggests it could have a decisive impact on the stability of international oil prices.

Furthermore, Qeshm Island, located in Hormuz, is strategically important for escorting merchant ships and oil tankers in the strait's shipping lanes.

Marine Expeditionary Units are designed for rapid response missions and typically operate from amphibious assault ships, capable of supporting a wide range of military operations, from crisis response to combat deployments.

The Associated Press reported that amphibious assault ships, including the Tripoli carrying the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and its Marines, have been confirmed to be more than a week away from Iranian waters.

President Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of limited ground operations but has emphasized that this conflict will not follow the path of protracted conflicts lasting several years, as seen in Iraq and Afghanistan.

U.S. NNP=Editor-in-Chief Sung Ku Hong / Special Correspondent NNP info@newsandpost.com