Pentagon Surges 5,000 Marines to Persian Gulf on Six Warships; Kharg Island Seizure Under Active Consideration

The Pentagon ordered a second Marine Expeditionary Unit — the 11th MEU with 2,500 Marines aboard USS Boxer and two escort ships — to depart San Diego three weeks ahead of schedule, joining a roughly equal force already en route from Japan. The combined 5,000-Marine amphibious force on six warships represents the largest such deployment since the 2003 Iraq invasion. Three sources told CNN the administration is 'seriously considering' seizure or blockade of Kharg Island, through which 90% of Iran's oil exports flow. Secretary Hegseth offered no timeline for end of operations when pressed by Congress. Trump simultaneously posted on social media that he was considering 'winding down' military operations, creating mixed signals that alarmed allies.