While Donald Trump continues to speak about victory and denies sending ground troops to the Middle East, the United States is significantly increasing its military presence. Reports confirm that the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli has been ordered to move from Japan toward the Middle East along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. According to US officials, additional deployments include around 2,500 Marines and at least three more warships. The USS Tripoli is considered a “floating military base,” equipped with advanced aircraft like the F-35B Lightning II, Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, and Sikorsky MH-60 Seahawk, capable of launching both airstrikes and ground operations. This deployment comes as the Strait of Hormuz—through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil passes—faces disruption due to Iranian actions. The US aims to secure this critical route and ensure safe passage for oil tankers. In addition to USS Tripoli, the US has positioned major warships including USS Boxer, USS New Orleans, USS Abraham Lincoln, and USS Gerald R. Ford. The large-scale deployment signals a strategic move to counter Iran’s influence in the region, raising concerns about whether this buildup will stabilize the situation or trigger a wider and more destructive conflict.


