The United States is deploying approximately 2,200 Marines along with three amphibious warships from Japan to the Middle East, forming the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group.
The group is led by USS Tripoli (LHA-7), joined by USS San Diego (LPD-22) and USS New Orleans (LPD-18), and includes around 20 F-35B Lightning II aircraft.
The USS Tripoli and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, normally stationed at Japanese ports in Sasebo and Okinawa, are part of this deployment.
Officials emphasize that this movement does not indicate a planned ground operation in Iran. Instead, it provides military commanders with additional amphibious, air, and ground capabilities that can be positioned if necessary.
The unit also includes a fighter aircraft squadron (F-35) and a helicopter squadron (MV-22 Osprey) with variable wingspan capability.
