PANews reported on March 13, citing the Wall Street Journal, that two U.S. officials said the Pentagon is deploying a Marine Corps expeditionary force to the Middle East as Iran intensifies its attacks on the Strait of Hormuz. Officials stated that Defense Secretary Hergesse has approved a request from U.S. Central Command to deploy this expeditionary force, which typically consists of up to 2,500 Marines. This move comes at a time when Iranian attacks on the strait have nearly paralyzed shipping on this strategic waterway, impacting the global economy, driving up gasoline prices, and posing significant military and political challenges for Trump. A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment.