The US is sending 2,500 Marines and an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East as the Israel-Iran war disrupts global energy supplies and draws in reluctant allies.
WASHINGTON/DUBAI: The United States military is deploying a Marine expeditionary force and an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East. Three US officials confirmed the deployment of 2,500 Marines alongside the USS Boxer and accompanying warships.
The move comes as the conflict between Israel and Iran enters its fourth week. President Donald Trump accused NATO allies of “cowardice” for their reluctance to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.
The vital waterway remains effectively closed to most shipping. It is a conduit for around a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Vital energy infrastructure across the Gulf has been repeatedly attacked. Kuwait’s state oil firm said its Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery suffered multiple drone attacks that set units alight.
Oil prices have jumped about 50% since the war began on February 28. Brent crude was trading near USD 110 a barrel on Friday.
Flows of crude and petroleum have dropped by about 12 million barrels per day. This represents roughly 12% of global demand due to output cuts and export halts.
A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows almost two-thirds of Americans believe Trump will order troops into a large-scale ground war. Only 7% of US voters support such a move.
The Israeli military said it carried out two large waves of air strikes on Tehran and central Iran. It targeted weapons production facilities and ballistic missile sites.
Israel faced multiple waves of missile attacks from Iran in return. Air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where explosions from interceptions were heard.
Fragments from an Iranian missile struck Jerusalem, landing just outside the Old City. Police released a photograph of the impact site, with no reports of injuries.
Trump said the United States was close to reaching its war goals. These include degrading Iran’s military and preventing it from developing a nuclear weapon.
He also said the US may wind down its military effort. “We have nobody to talk to,” Trump said. “And you know what? We like it that way.”
Several allies have pledged to join “appropriate efforts” to ensure safe passage through the strait. Germany and France have both said fighting must stop first.
The UK government authorised the US to use its bases in Britain. This permission is for strikes on Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the strait.
Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a message of defiance. He said Iranians had responded with unity and “dealt a disorienting blow to the enemy”.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they attacked Haifa and Tel Aviv with multi-warhead missiles. They also claimed drone attacks on US bases, including Sheikh Isa air base in Bahrain.
The semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim said intelligence minister Esmail Ahmadi was killed. He is the latest of dozens of leading figures assassinated by Israel.
More than 2,000 people have been killed, mostly in Iran and Lebanon. The conflict threatens to trigger a global economic shock as energy fears grow.
The Sun Malaysia
