Pentagon Deploys Third Aircraft Carrier Strike Group and 10,000 Marines to Middle East as Iran War Escalates

• by Shimanta Das
• October 4, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is sending several thousand more US Marines and Navy sailors as part of the Amphibious Ready Group led by the assault ship USS Makin Island to the Middle East alongside an additional aircraft carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, a US official confirmed to Al-Monitor on Thursday. This deployment marks a significant escalation, bringing the total to three aircraft carrier strike groups and up to 10,000 Marines in the region, as the Iran war reaches a critical juncture.

President Trump has threatened that a post-midterm election escalation remains a viable option – despite his initial promises that the war would last a matter of weeks. Trump cited as an example an offer from Iran to “open up” the Strait of Hormuz, the key energy shipping corridor, but said the overall proposal was “not good enough.” For weeks, the Trump administration has maintained a blockade around Iran as part of a brutal economic pressure campaign. Iran indicated it would open up the Strait of Hormuz during that time, but top administration officials have contended that the US is already getting oil through the critical chokepoint.

The deployment comes amid harrowing reports of weary sailors attempting to jump overboard due to shortages of critical supplies, caused by Iranian strikes that disrupted supply lines in the region, particularly a key port in Bahrain. In response, the Pentagon made plans for the USS Theodore Roosevelt to be ready for a long stay. This included maximizing its stash of food, hygiene, retail, and other critical supplies before its deployment, something Navy leadership touted last month.

As the situation intensifies, the need for reliable reporting is more crucial than ever. Please donate today to ensure we remain your go-to source for the most important stories of the day. With tensions high and the potential for further escalation, the world watches as the US bolsters its military presence in the Middle East.