The U.S. amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, carrying more than 2,000 Marines, is set to enter Gulf waters—part of the United States Central Command’s area of responsibility—starting Friday. The deployment includes approximately 2,200 to 2,500 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), supported by F-35B stealth fighter jets and MV-22 Osprey aircraft.
The 844-foot warship was recently docked at the remote island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, according to satellite imagery shared by China-based MizarVision. Another vessel, the Japan-based amphibious transport dock USS San Diego, is likely not far behind.
The arrival of Marines in Middle Eastern waters comes amid reports that the U.S. may attempt to seize Iran’s Kharg Island—its vital oil export hub—in a bid to quickly secure control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Located about 15 miles off Iran’s coast, Kharg Island handles nearly 90 per cent of the country’s oil exports. While controlling it would give the U.S. significant leverage over Iran’s economy, it also carries a high risk of Iranian retaliation. Experts caution that it would not be easy for U.S. forces—including Marines, Army airborne troops, and special operations units—to maintain control of the island.
One major challenge is geography. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint with no viable alternatives. Iran’s nearly 1,000-mile coastline provides multiple launch points for anti-ship missiles, while its terrain makes it easier to conceal mobile weapons systems, experts note.
Kharg Island’s proximity to the mainland would place U.S. forces within range of Iranian multiple launch rocket systems and potentially even conventional artillery firing rocket-assisted projectiles.
There are also reports that Iran has established layered defences on Kharg Island and has recently deployed additional shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile systems, known as MANPADS. According to sources cited by CNN, Iran is also laying defensive traps, including anti-personnel and anti-armour mines, across the island and along its shoreline.
Additionally, Iran is believed to possess first-person-view (FPV) drones capable of identifying and targeting individual systems and U.S. personnel in real time. Reports suggest that Russia may be sharing intelligence, including satellite imagery, with Iran, which could significantly enhance the effectiveness of such strikes.
Iran also maintains a fleet of fast-attack craft, midget submarines, and unmanned explosive boats.
To counter these threats, the U.S. Navy would need to play a critical role in force protection. Destroyers would likely be tasked with providing ballistic and cruise missile defence—not only for forces on the island but also for Amphibious Ready Groups operating in the region.
U.S. forces would also need to conduct a large-scale air-to-ground suppression campaign to counter Iranian threats. However, such operations could limit their ability to strike other targets, potentially exposing large numbers of U.S. personnel to increased risk of casualties.