US sending Marines and amphibious assault ship to Middle East, officials say

The U.S. military is sending a large amphibious assault ship along with thousands of extra Marines and sailors to the Middle East, according to three U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters on Friday. This move comes as Iran’s new supreme leader praised the country’s "unity" and "resistance." Reuters previously reported that the U.S. aims to reopen the Gulf oil route at the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blocked since the attack by the U.S. and Israel nearly three weeks ago. Since the start of this conflict, oil prices have surged by about 50%. This news follows President Donald Trump's angry remarks about U.S. allies not helping to reopen the strait, despite the ongoing fighting that they were not informed about. He tweeted, "COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!" The officials did not disclose the specific role the extra troops would play. As Muslims in the region celebrated Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, and Iranians observed Nowruz, the Persian New Year, it appears unlikely that the war, now entering its fourth week, will end soon. Mujtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader, has not made a public appearance since the Israeli attack that killed his father and predecessor on the first day of the war. He shared a Nowruz message on his Telegram channel.