Tehran has nearly completely shut down a crucial shipping choke point that has sent global energy prices skyrocketing. As part of that deployment, the Pentagon sent an infantry battalion landing team with more than 800 combat troops backed by helicopters, F-35 fighter jets and armoured landing vehicles. Pentagon officials also decided to speed up the forthcoming deployment of a similar unit, the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, from San Diego to depart within days, defence officials said. White House officials have downplayed but not ruled out the possibility of US troops in combat in Iran. By Saturday, he had declared that the conflict he started in the Middle East could soon be the responsibility of his allies.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 22, 2026 02:46 UTC