US Deploys Thousands of Marines to the Middle East Amid Escalating Shipping Threats
Washington, Friday, 13 March 2026.
The Pentagon is deploying thousands of Marines to the Middle East to stabilize vital maritime routes, as Iranian shipping disruptions have already cost the US economy $11 billion.
Economic Toll and Strategic Escorts
The primary catalyst for this massive troop movement is the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces [2][5]. According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, only 77 ships have transited the vital maritime chokepoint in March 2026, representing a drastic -93.735% volume shift compared to the 1,229 vessels recorded during the same period last year [3]. Consequently, Brent crude oil prices have surged by 40% since the conflict began on February 28, currently hovering around $100 per barrel [5].
Intensifying Military Operations
The incoming 31st MEU—accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls and the destroyer USS Rafael Peralta—will significantly bolster Operation Epic Fury [2][3]. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine confirmed that U.S. forces have already struck 6,000 targets, utilizing the combat debut of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) to systematically dismantle Iranian naval capabilities [3]. Despite the aggressive maritime threat, Defense Secretary Hegseth clarified there is currently “no clear evidence” of Iranian mine-laying in the Strait of Hormuz; rather, the blockade is being enforced by direct Iranian fire on commercial shipping [3].