The US has stepped up its military presence in the Middle East as the Iran war completes one month, with 3,500 Marines and sailors aboard the USS Tripoli arriving in the region.
The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli carries a mix of transport and strike aircraft, along with amphibious and tactical combat assets, and images show Marines in full combat gear, alongside Seahawk helicopters, Osprey transport aircraft, and an F-35 fighter jet.
The deployment adds to around 50,000 American troops already stationed there and comes amid growing speculation over whether Washington could consider sending ground troops in Iran.
Senior US officials publicly play down the likelihood of a ground invasion, but some troop movements are being made to give the president maximum optionality and opportunity to adjust contingencies.
The situation remains volatile across the Gulf, with recent Iranian attacks on an airbase in Saudi Arabia leaving two US personnel seriously wounded and injured at least 10 others.
