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U.S. Deploys Thousands of Marines Amid Middle East Tensions

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The United States is deploying thousands of Marines and sailors to the Middle East to bolster regional capacity amid the three-week U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
The U.S. has not decided to send troops into Iran.
The deployment includes the USS Boxer and two Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs), each about 2,500 Marines.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is considering options, including securing the Strait of Hormuz.

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Story summary

The United States is deploying thousands of Marines and sailors to the Middle East to bolster regional capacity amid the three-week U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
The U.S. has not decided to send troops into Iran.
The deployment includes the USS Boxer and two Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs), each about 2,500 Marines.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is considering options, including securing the Strait of Hormuz.