Pentagon sends Marine expeditionary unit to Middle East

The Pentagon has approved the deployment of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit — consisting of 2,200 Marines aboard three U.S. Navy amphibious ships — to the Middle East.

The 31st MEU, which is permanently based in Japan and normally operates in the Indo-Pacific region, is being redirected at the request of U.S. Central Command. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has approved the move.

The unit includes a squadron of F-35 fighter jets and a squadron of MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. It brings flexible land, amphibious and aviation capabilities that can be made available to commanders if needed.

Officials stressed the deployment does not mean the Marines will be used as a ground invasion force inside Iran.

The MEU is being positioned as a rapid-response force amid Iran’s ongoing attacks on the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional escalation.

A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment.