President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of about 5,000 Marines to the Strait of Hormuz as tensions with Iran intensify and fears grow over disruptions to global oil supplies. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the move, sending the Japan-based amphibious assault ship Tripoli and its Marine expeditionary unit to the region. The deployment comes as the administration considers further action, including the possible seizure of Iran’s Kharg Island, a key hub for most of the country’s fuel exports.

The conflict has escalated sharply, with the United States death toll rising to 13 service members and 140 reported injured. Six crew members were killed in a mid-air collision involving a refueling aircraft in Iraq, while earlier casualties included troops killed in a drone strike. Trump has acknowledged that more losses could occur as fighting continues.

Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz, a route for roughly one fifth of the world’s oil shipments, remains under threat, contributing to a rise in domestic gasoline prices. Iranian officials have projected defiance, with security chief Ali Larijani publicly criticizing Trump during demonstrations in Tehran. Hegseth insisted the United States maintains air and naval superiority and vowed intensified military action against Iran’s forces.