By Gloria Nosa
Offshore Correspondent
Donald Trump has approved the deployment of approximately 5,000 U.S. Marines to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a move aimed at strengthening American military presence as hostilities linked to Iran continue to threaten global energy routes.
The deployment was cleared by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who authorized an amphibious naval task force to move into the region. The force includes about 5,000 Marines alongside several warships forming a powerful maritime strike group.
Among the vessels assigned to the mission are the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA‑7) and the amphibious transport dock ships USS San Diego (LPD‑22) and USS New Orleans (LPD‑18). These ships are designed to carry Marines, aircraft, and heavy military equipment capable of rapid response operations.
As part of the reinforcement, the United States is also dispatching the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, a highly mobile force based in Japan that is trained for swift crisis intervention and emergency missions across the Indo-Pacific and Middle East regions.
The deployment will also bring advanced fighter aircraft such as the Lockheed Martin F‑35 Lightning II into the area, significantly boosting air power and surveillance capabilities around the Persian Gulf.
According to U.S. officials, the reinforcement was requested by United States Central Command, which coordinates American military activities throughout the Middle East.
The decision comes at a time when the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most crucial energy transit routes—is experiencing severe instability. The narrow waterway serves as the main gateway connecting the Persian Gulf to international waters, and under normal conditions, nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas exports pass through it.
Recent attacks targeting commercial vessels and oil tankers linked to the conflict have significantly reduced maritime traffic through the corridor. Shipping companies have become increasingly cautious, with several vessels avoiding the route due to security concerns.
During a media briefing, Hegseth said Washington’s strategy is focused on severely weakening Iran’s military capabilities. He emphasized that the United States intends to dismantle key elements of Iran’s defense infrastructure, including its air power, naval assets, and missile capabilities.
The tensions have already shaken global energy markets. Insurance costs for ships traveling through the Gulf have surged, while many tankers are rerouting to safer waters. Energy analysts warn that the disruption represents one of the most serious threats to global oil supply in recent years.
As the conflict intensifies, the consequences are being felt worldwide. Rising fuel costs and supply uncertainties are affecting economies across multiple continents, prompting governments and energy regulators to search for ways to stabilize the global energy market while the crisis unfolds.
