A US amphibious assault ship carrying about 1,800 Marines is operating in the Indian Ocean as speculation grows over a possible ground operation against Iran, US Central Command said.
The USS Tripoli, part of an amphibious ready group, was shown in a recent image sailing in the region, though its exact distance from Iran was not disclosed.
CNN reported that the ship is carrying troops from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, with additional US forces, including elements of the 11th MEU and the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.
The deployments come as President Donald Trump has floated the possibility of targeting Iran’s Kharg Island, while Tehran has warned of retaliation against any US ground incursion.
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