U.S. sending thousands more Marines to Middle East

The U.S. is deploying thousands of additional Marines and three warships to the Middle East as an ongoing regional conflict enters its third week with no clear end in sight, according to two U.S. officials. The military buildup underscores the Trump administration's commitment to maintaining a significant force presence in the region amid escalating tensions. The deployment reflects concerns that the conflict could expand or require sustained American military involvement to protect regional interests and allies. The addition of naval assets and ground forces signals preparation for a prolonged engagement rather than a short-term intervention. The timing and scale of the reinforcement suggest U.S. officials anticipate sustained military operations in the coming weeks.