US set to send thousands more troops to Middle East, officials say

2026-03-21 - 14:21

The United States is deploying thousands of additional troops to the Middle East while widening military options in its illegal war with Iran, officials told Reuters, as tensions rise over control of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks spread across the region. The move adds to more than 50,000 US personnel already in the region and comes as Washington considers further steps, including operations near Iran’s coastline and key oil export sites. Three US officials told Reuters that a Marine Expeditionary Unit of about 2,500 troops is heading from the West Coast ahead of schedule, supported by the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer and other vessels.