The United States is deploying about 2,000 Marines to the Middle East amid renewed tensions with Iran, while a supertanker carrying approximately 2.5 million barrels of oil was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz.
A US official told Al Jazeera that three aircraft carriers and two amphibious landing groups are being deployed around Iran. The USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group and the Makin Island force, carrying about 2,000 Marines, have left San Diego. The full US military buildup is expected to be completed by November.
Meanwhile, UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that a 2.5-million-barrel supertanker was struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire.
Oil prices also increased amid the renewed tensions. Brent crude was trading at about $102.60 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate stood at $93.14.
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran to reach an agreement with Washington, saying the confrontation could end “very soon” if Tehran takes what he described as the proper and smart course.
Elsewhere in the region, Yemen’s armed forces said they carried out 20 air attacks against Houthi positions, reinforcements and military vehicles across parts of Taiz province. Yemeni forces also said they intercepted Houthi drones over Aden.
The Saudi-led coalition said it destroyed a ballistic missile launched towards Khamis Mushait, while several Arab countries and Islamic organisations condemned a Houthi attack on infrastructure serving Medina.
In Lebanon, Israeli forces continued artillery and air attacks in southern areas, with strikes reported near Marjayoun, Mayfadoun, Nabatieh, Kfar Shouba and al-Mansouri.
The developments come amid a wider regional escalation involving Iran, Israel, the United States and armed groups across the Middle East.
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