US Deploys Troops, Marines as Iran Blocks Hormuz Strait

The United States is deploying additional troops and warships to the Middle East to counter Iran's attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which is cutting global oil supply. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved a request from U.S. Central Command for an amphibious ready group and a Marine expeditionary unit, comprising warships and 5,000 Marines and sailors. On March 12, CENTCOM confirmed the death of all crew members of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft lost in western Iraq while flying over friendly airspace. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation, with CENTCOM stating it was not due to hostile or friendly fire. The identities of the service members are being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, President Recep Erdogan stated Turkey is acting with caution against traps and provocations aimed at dragging Turkey into war, advising people to guard against sectarian and ethnic provocations.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/03/13/us-deploys-more-warships-marines-as-iran-blocks-strait-of-hormuz/