Thousands of US Marines are expected to arrive in the Middle East on Friday,
coinciding with President Trump's deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing two US officials.
The Japan-based amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli and the amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans will cross into US Central Command on Friday, delivering approximately 2,200 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Officials say the unit will need several more days to reach the Strait of Hormuz.
The Pentagon has sent a second Marine unit to the region. The California-based 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, aboard the USS Boxer, will depart in a few weeks.