Assault ship arrives in Middle East as US weighs Iran ground troop deployment

AFP

28 Mar, 2026 11:15 PMQuick Read

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The USS Tripoli, pictured in 2022, has arrived in the Middle East as speculation soars about the possible deployment of US ground troops in Iran. Photo / Jam Sta Rosa, AFP

The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli has arrived in the Middle East, US Central Command has said, as speculation soars about the possible deployment of US ground troops in Iran.

The ship, which is usually based in Japan, arrived in the region on Friday local time, Centcom said in a
post on X, noting that the vessel is the flagship for a contingent of “about 3500” Marines and sailors.

The group also includes “transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault and tactical assets”, it said.

The post features four images, including one showing several Seahawk helicopters on the ship’s deck, as well as some Osprey aircraft, typically used for personnel transport.

Another picture shows an F-35 fighter jet.