The number of American troops in the Middle East has risen to more than 50,000 following the arrival of 2,500 Marines and 2,500 sailors, roughly 10,000 more than the usual level. The buildup comes as President Donald Trump weighs his next steps in the month-old war in Iran, including the possibility of broader military action.

Officials say options under consideration include seizing strategic territory such as an island to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply typically passes. The passage has been largely closed amid Iranian retaliation against American and Israeli military operations.

Additional forces, including about 2,000 Army paratroopers, have been deployed within striking distance of Iran, potentially for operations targeting key sites such as Iran’s main oil export hub. Despite the increase, military experts caution that 50,000 troops would be insufficient for a large-scale ground invasion or to hold territory in a country as large and populous as Iran.