U.S. Deploys Hundreds of Special Ops and Marines to the Middle East, Signaling Iran Options

Hundreds of U.S. Special Operations Forces, including Navy SEALs and Army Rangers, along with thousands of Marines and Army paratroopers, have arrived in the Middle East, giving President Trump potential options against Iran such as actions targeting the Strait of Hormuz, Kharg Island, or Iran’s stockpiled enriched uranium. The deployment, reported by sources familiar with the arrangements and first referenced by The New York Times, includes more than 3,500 troops in the region with the USS Tripoli and about 2,500 Marines, a second Marine Expeditionary Unit en route, and elements of the 82nd Airborne expected to join (under 1,500 troops). CENTCOM declined to comment.