According to the Wall Street Journal, two U.S. officials said that as Iran escalates attacks on the Strait of Hormuz, the Pentagon is deploying a Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East. Officials stated that Defense Secretary Hegseth has approved a request from U.S. Central Command to deploy this expeditionary unit, which typically comprises up to 2,500 Marines. This move comes as Iranian attacks on the strait have brought shipping through this strategic waterway to near paralysis, causing impacts on the global economy, driving up gas prices, and presenting Trump with significant military and political challenges. A Pentagon spokesman declined to comment.