US readies more ships and troops as Iran conflict escalates

The United States is preparing to deploy three additional warships and thousands more troops to the Middle East amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, with reports that Washington may attempt to occupy or blockade Iran’s Kharg Island to pressure Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump condemns NATO allies as cowards in this fight. The Pentagon has already deployed the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Boxer, though missions remain unclear. Iran vows retaliation against US and Israeli officials as attacks on regional energy infrastructure drive oil prices higher and tensions flare across the Gulf, with Israel and Iran conducting strikes and Gulf states facing spillover effects.