The United States is sending approximately 2,200 additional troops to the Middle East as part of expanding military operations linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
According to international media and defense sources, the deployment also includes several naval vessels supported by roughly 20 fighter jets operating in the Persian Gulf. The strike group is expected to be assigned to a mission involving control of Iran’s Kharg Island, a strategic energy hub.
Kharg Island is considered the most important oil export point for Iran, with around 80% of the country’s crude exports passing through terminals located on the island.
The development comes as the conflict in the Middle East enters its fourteenth day, with the United States and Israel acting as allies against Iran.
Separately, NATO air defense systems intercepted another ballistic missile that entered Turkish airspace, marking the third such interception in Turkey since the beginning of the conflict.
At the same time, a powerful explosion was reported in Tehran near a square traditionally used for the annual Quds Day demonstration, a pro-Palestinian event held each year in the Iranian capital.
The escalation is raising concerns about potential disruption to global energy supplies and security in the Persian Gulf region.