U.S. military personnel deployed in the Middle East [U.S. Central Command X Account] The U.S. military announced on the 28th (local time) that it has completed the additional deployment of approximately 3,500 Navy and Marine Corps personnel to the Middle East.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East, stated via its social media X account that day, "On the 27th, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the CENTCOM area of responsibility."

CENTCOM explained that the warship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, composed of about 3,500 Navy and Marine Corps personnel, and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and that it will operate various tactical assets, including transport aircraft, fighter jets, and amphibious assault capabilities.

Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) have traditionally been deployed for missions requiring movement from ships to shore, such as amphibious assaults and large-scale evacuation operations. They possess ground and air combat units, and some units undergo special operations training, according to U.S. CNN.

U.S. President Donald Trump had previously stated that he would suspend attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and negotiate with Iran by April 6.

However, despite this, thousands of MEU and elite Army units are being further deployed to the Middle East. This is interpreted as a move to prepare for the possibility of ground combat while simultaneously pursuing negotiations by increasing forces in the region.

Nevertheless, the U.S. continues to attack Iranian forces and military facilities.

CENTCOM stated that it has struck over 11,000 targets since the start of operations on the 28th of last month until this morning, and that more than 150 Iranian warships have been destroyed or damaged.