The US is deploying additional marines to the Middle East
The United States is taking new measures aimed at significantly strengthening its military presence in the Middle East. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
The Pentagon has decided to deploy a special marine expeditionary unit and additional warships to the region. According to The Wall Street Journal, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the Central Command's request.
This decision was made in response to Iran's aggressive actions in the Strait of Hormuz. The forces being deployed include several warships and approximately five thousand marines.
These strict measures are aimed at ensuring security in energy corridors that are crucial for the world. The Strait of Hormuz is the most important waterway through which one-fifth of the global oil supply passes.
Recent reports about Iran starting mine-laying operations in this area have heightened overall concerns. Although current mining activity is limited to several dozen devices, intelligence indicates that Tehran has a vast reserve of small boats and naval mines.
Experts warn that Iran is capable of deploying hundreds of additional mines. This situation poses a serious threat to international shipping routes and global energy stability.
At a briefing held on March 13, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provided detailed information about the results of the joint US-Israel military campaign ongoing since February 28. The Secretary announced that over fifteen thousand targets have been successfully neutralized during the operation.
As a result, Iran's naval forces, air forces, and air defense systems have suffered significant damage. Hegseth emphasized that Iran's missile capability has been reduced by forty percent, and drone reserves by seventy percent.
According to him, the main goal remains to completely halt Iran's nuclear program. The US is considering all strategic options, including using ground forces to protect nuclear facilities and systematically destroying the country's defense industrial base.
