Deployment of amphibious forces and advanced air assets underscores Washington’s escalating presence near Iran, as officials report progress in operations and ongoing cease-fire discussions
More than 3,500 U.S. sailors and Marines aboard the USS Tripoli have arrived in the Middle East as the Pentagon continues to expand its military presence in the region.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on March 29 that the USS Tripoli had entered its area of responsibility. The amphibious assault ship is serving as the flagship of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, a combined force that includes ground, air, and naval components.
One of the newest and most capable amphibious assault ships in the U.S. fleet, the USS Tripoli is designed to support a larger air wing, including F-35 stealth fighter jets, V-22 “Osprey” tiltrotor aircraft, and other warplanes. The vessel had been based in Japan before receiving deployment orders to the Middle East nearly two weeks ago.
CENTCOM said the Tripoli adds transport aircraft, strike fighters, and amphibious assault capabilities to the region, in addition to the Marines on board.
The USS Boxer, another amphibious assault ship, along with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, has also been ordered to deploy from San Diego.
CENTCOM did not provide further details on where the additional U.S. forces will be positioned, though they are expected to operate within range of Iran, including near key locations such as Kharg Island, a major Iranian oil export terminal off the country’s coast.
In its latest update on March 25, marking the fourth week of the campaign, CENTCOM said that more than 11,000 targets had been struck since the United States and Israel launched joint operations against Iran on Feb. 28.
On Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States could achieve its objectives in Iran without deploying ground troops and expected the operation to conclude within weeks. He described the latest troop movements as precautionary measures aimed at preparing for unforeseen contingencies.
Speaking to reporters after a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in France, Rubio said Washington was meeting its war objectives, including destroying Iran’s missile and drone capabilities, the facilities producing those weapons, as well as elements of its navy and air force.
He said the campaign was “going very well” and expected to conclude in “weeks, not months.”
“We are ahead of schedule on most of them, and we can achieve them without any ground troops,” Rubio said.
At a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington had delivered Tehran a 15-point “action list” intended as a framework for a potential cease-fire.
The proposal includes restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program—central to tensions with the United States and Israel—as well as reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which a significant portion of global oil and gas supplies pass.
Iran has responded with a five-point counterproposal, calling for an end to the war, compensation for damages, and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Later on Thursday, President Donald Trump extended for a second time the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before the United States would launch strikes on Iranian energy facilities, giving Tehran until April 6 while noting that talks between the two sides were continuing.
