WSJ/NYT: 2,200 U.S. Marines Deploying to Middle East Friday; 82nd Airborne Considered for Kharg Island Seizure

The Wall Street Journal reported that thousands of U.S. Marines are set to enter the Middle East on Friday, coinciding with the deadline set by Donald Trump for the Islamic Republic to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. According to two U.S. officials, two amphibious ships stationed in Japan will enter the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area on Friday, transferring approximately 2,200 Marines from one expeditionary unit to the region. However, it will take several more days for these forces to reach the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has also ordered the deployment of another Marine unit based in California, which will be sent to the region in the coming weeks. U.S. military officials are also considering deploying an airborne combat brigade to support potential operations against the Islamic Republic. The New York Times reported, citing defense sources, that these forces would be drawn from the 82nd Airborne Division’s rapid reaction force — a unit of approximately 3,000 troops capable of deploying anywhere in the world within 18 hours. One scenario under consideration involves using these forces to seize Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub. According to the New York Times, alongside this plan, another option is also being considered in which approximately 2,500 Marines currently moving toward the region would participate in initial operations. Due to damage to the Kharg Island airstrip in recent strikes, Marines may first move in to restore infrastructure before airborne forces join them.