DID Press: Reports indicate that Trump administration is considering military options to reopen the Strait of Hormuz following escalating regional tensions and rising global energy prices.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the Pentagon has deployed the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, a rapid response force of approximately 2,200 personnel, to the Middle East. The unit is expected to arrive in the region next week from Japan.
Current and former U.S. officials have indicated that the forces could be used to seize one or more strategic islands off Iran’s southern coast. Such an operation would provide leverage or serve as bases to counter potential attacks on commercial shipping.
The troops are currently stationed aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7).