The Pentagon is deploying additional Marines and warships to the Middle East in response to intensifying Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, three US officials said, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved a request from US Central Command, which oversees American forces in the Middle East, to form an amphibious ready group and an attached Marine expeditionary unit, typically consisting of several warships and 5,000 Marines, the officials said.

The Japan-based USS Tripoli and its attached Marines are currently heading to the Middle East, two officials said. Marines are already in the Middle East supporting the operation against Iran, the officials added.