US Marines Deploy to Deter ‘Iranian Destabilizing Activities’ in Middle East

U.S. marines line up on the beach after the amphibious landing exercise during the joint Cobra Gold exercise in the coastal Thai province of Chonburi on March 3, 2023. Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP via Getty Images

The United States will deploy marines and two amphibious warships to the Middle East in response to Iranian forces’ recent attempts to seize commercial ships in the region, the Pentagon said on July 20.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the deployment of a Marine Expeditionary Unit consisting of USS Bataan, USS Carter Hall, and its personnel to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility.