U.S. Sends 2,500 Marines to the Middle East as Iran War Continues

In a significant military escalation, the United States is deploying about 2,500 Marines along with an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel and Iran, according to U.S. military officials. The deployment comes as the war enters its third week, and tensions remain high across the region.

Pentagon officials say this troop increase does not necessarily signal an immediate ground invasion, but aims to reinforce regional forces and address security challenges, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is wounded and likely disfigured, though details haven’t been independently confirmed.

All six crew members aboard a U.S. KC‑135 refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq have been confirmed dead, raising the U.S. military death toll in the conflict to at least 13 service members.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll continues to rise, with the Lebanese Health Ministry reporting over 773 people killed in Lebanon after 10 days of fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group, including more than 100 children.

Global oil prices have surged as Iranian attacks have disrupted shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a route responsible for a significant share of the world’s energy supplies. International markets are closely watching developments, as rising energy costs risk broader economic consequences.