US Expands Middle East Footprint as Iran War Escalates

More than 3,500 U.S. troops, including about 2,500 Marines aboard the USS Tripoli, arrived in the U.S. Central Command area as Iran’s war strikes intensify, with additional ships and a second Marine unit ordered to the region. CENTCOM says over 11,000 targets have been struck since late February. The conflict threatens global shipping and oil routes through the Strait of Hormuz, and Iranian-backed Houthis say they are involved; Washington says no ground troops are required for now but remains prepared for contingencies.