The British newspaper The Telegraph reported that US President Donald Trump has sent a force of Marines to the Middle East to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, amid growing fears that rising oil prices could trigger a global recession.
Trump ordered a warship carrying an expeditionary unit that could lead to the deployment of forces on the ground in Iran.
More oil tankers came under fire from Iranian forces on Friday after the new Supreme Leader pledged to keep the strait closed until attacks on Iran stop.
US officials confirmed on Friday that the USS Tripoli had already departed from Okinawa, Japan, carrying 5,000 sailors and an amphibious ready group of Marines, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Military analysts said that reopening the strategic shipping route may require a ground operation, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Such an operation would likely result in significantly higher casualties among American and allied forces, according to analysts.
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a Pentagon briefing on Friday: “It is a complex tactical environment, and before we execute anything, we want to make sure.”
Some have suggested that Trump could move to seize Kharg Island, a vital Iranian oil hub that has so far remained unaffected by the conflict, the newspaper reported on Friday.
The expeditionary unit is capable of carrying out special air and ground operations and possesses amphibious assault capabilities, though it is unlikely to arrive for another two weeks.
The Marines and the new warship will join the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Gerald R Ford, which are already present in the region.
The United States eased sanctions on Russian oil on Thursday night in an effort to help reduce prices, creating a split with the United Kingdom.
A spokesperson for the British Prime Minister said: “It is clearly a decision for the United States, but our position is clear,” stressing the need to maintain pressure on Russia and its war funding.
Last Thursday, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNBC that it is “very likely” the navy will begin escorting oil tankers by the end of the month.
He added: “It will happen relatively soon, but it cannot happen now. We are simply not ready. All our military assets are currently focused on destroying Iran’s offensive capabilities and the manufacturing sector that supplies those capabilities.”
