Two large US amphibious assault ships, the USS Boxer and the USS Portland, carrying the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, have arrived in the Middle East, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

These ships are currently in the Indian Ocean. Another large amphibious assault ship from this amphibious assault group, the USS Comstock, has been in the CENTCOM area of responsibility since early May.

CENTCOM did not disclose the objectives and tasks of the arriving amphibious assault ships and Marines. It is only noted that they are operating in the Middle East as part of a planned mission.

Since the ceasefire, starting on April 13, US Navy ships have been engaged in a blockade of Iran-related commercial vessels departing from or bound for Iranian ports.