With two Amphibious Ready Groups heading to the Middle East, there is increasing speculation that the U.S. will try to seize Iran's strategic Kharg Island.

Iran has increased attacks on commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea that carries roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply and a significant share of global liquefied natural gas exports.

U.S. Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, conduct shore-to-ship and ship-to-ship operations aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) during Type Commander’s Amphibious Training 26.

Thousands of Marines are heading to the Middle East as the United States weighs whether to deepen its role in Iran as part of a military buildup leading to more questions about possible ground troops or missions tied to the Strait of Hormuz.

The America-class multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) has left its base in Sasebo, Japan, and is headed for the Middle East. On board is the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit - about 2,500 Marines along with an aviation and combat component. According to U.S. officials, the deployment of this formation will take one to two weeks.

U.S. Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, launch Amphibious Combat Vehicles during a shore-to-ship movement to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) during Type Commander’s Amphibious Training 26.

The deployment comes as Washington seeks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions with Iran, surging oil prices, and a broader military buildup in the region

February 8, 2026: Two years ago the U.S. Marine Corps began using their new Amphibious Combat Vehicle/ACV in overseas training operations. This involved live fire exercises using the marine ACV vehicles. The ACV automatic 40mm grenade launchers fired ...