More than 3,500 U.S. troops arrived in the Middle East Saturday as strikes in the Iran war intensified. The USS Tripoli deployed with approximately 2,500 Marines to serve as flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group.
The America-class amphibious assault ship brings transport and strike fighter aircraft plus amphibious assault assets to the region. An additional 2,000 Marines and three warships from San Diego were also ordered to the area.
Central Command reported more than 11,000 targets struck since Operation Epic Fury began February 28. Ten U.S. troops were injured when Iran fired six ballistic missiles and 29 drones at Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan air base.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. can achieve objectives without ground troops but acknowledged President Trump must prepare for multiple contingencies. The conflict has disrupted global air travel, oil exports, and caused fuel prices to surge.
Iranian-backed Houthi rebels entered the month-long war by claiming a missile launch intercepted by Israel. Their involvement threatens the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, crucial for vessels heading to the Suez Canal, where about 12% of global trade passes through.
Trump has given Iran until April 6 to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Washington delivered a 15-point action list for ceasefire, restricting Iran's nuclear program and reopening the strategic waterway. Tehran rejected the proposal.