US media: US military deploys Marine Corps expeditionary force to the Middle East

ME News reported on March 13 (UTC+8), citing the Wall Street Journal, that two U.S. officials stated the Pentagon is deploying a Marine Expeditionary Force to the Middle East as Iran intensifies its attacks on the Strait of Hormuz. Officials said Defense Secretary Hergses has approved a request from U.S. Central Command to deploy the expeditionary force, which typically consists of up to 2,500 Marines. This move comes at a time when Iranian attacks on the strait have nearly paralyzed shipping on this strategic waterway, impacting the global economy, driving up gasoline prices, and posing significant military and political challenges for Trump. A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment. (Source: ME)