The move comes after Iran boosted its own naval capabilities with a series of new weapons
US deploys 3,000 troops to Middle East
A US Navy sailor stands watch on an amphibious assault ship during a transit through the Suez Canal, August 6, 2023. © US Marine Corps / Cpl. Nayelly Nieves-Nieves
The US military has deployed thousands of troops and additional naval assets to the Middle East to “deter” Iranian forces, after Washington accused Tehran of harassing commercial vessels and other “destabilizing” actions.
The US Navy’s 5th Fleet announced the decision on Monday, noting that more than 3,000 marines and sailors had arrived in the Red Sea aboard an amphibious assault ship and a dock landing vessel the day before.
“These units add significant operational flexibility and capability as we work alongside international partners to deter destabilizing activity and deescalate regional tensions caused by Iran’s harassment and seizures of merchant vessels earlier this year,” 5th Fleet spokesman Commander Tim Hawkins told The Hill in a statement.......more below
