The Pentagon will send thousands of Marines and at least one warship to the Middle East from Japan as the US builds up forces for its war against Iran.
A Marine expeditionary unit of about 2,200 members would join the roughly 50,000 troops already in the region, according to three people familiar with the matter.
Amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, carrying the 31st MEU, will head to the region, according to two of the people.
An MEU can be used in a range of missions: it is trained for ground and air combat and can also support special operations.
The movements, which were first reported by The Wall Street Journal, come as the US has vowed to intensify strikes against the Islamic republic and as Iran attacks ships around the Strait of Hormuz.
The US is preparing for potential naval escorts of tankers through the strait, though those would be conducted by destroyers.
