Trump Calls NATO Cowards, US Sends New Troops to Iran War Zone
The United States is reportedly sending thousands of additional marines to the Middle East region amid the ongoing escalation of conflict with Iran. This move comes as US President Donald Trump launches scathing criticism at NATO allies, whom he accuses of being unwilling to engage directly in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Three US officials told Reuters that around 2,500 marines will be deployed alongside the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer and several accompanying warships. However, they did not specify the exact role of these forces in the conflict zone.
Two other officials stated that no decision has yet been made on whether US forces will be deployed directly into Iranian territory. Previous sources also revealed that potential targets could include Iran’s coastal areas or Kharg Island, which is the country’s main oil export hub.
The conflict, which has lasted nearly three weeks since 28 February, is now having widespread impacts on global energy routes. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supply, has effectively been closed to most shipping since the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran broke out.
In addition, critical energy infrastructure in Iran and surrounding Gulf states has become a target of attacks. The impact is immediately felt in global markets, with oil prices surging around 50% since the start of the war, triggering concerns over a global economic shock.
Casualties continue to mount. More than 2,000 people have been reported killed, mostly in Iran and Lebanon. Domestically in the US, citizens are showing increasing concern over the potential expansion of the conflict, particularly due to the significant price spikes.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that nearly two-thirds of US citizens believe Trump will order the deployment of troops for a large-scale ground war. However, only 7% of respondents support such a move.
On the battlefield, the Israeli military stated on Friday that it had launched two major waves of airstrikes on Tehran and central Iran. The attacks targeted weapons production facilities as well as storage sites for launchers and ballistic missile components.
In retaliation, Iran launched several waves of missile attacks on Israel, triggering warning sirens in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Explosions were heard in both cities due to air defence systems intercepting incoming missiles.
A photo released by police shows fragments of an Iranian missile falling in Jerusalem, just outside the Old City, a holy site for Christians, Jews, and Muslims. There were no reports of injuries in the incident.
In the Gulf region, attacks also targeted energy facilities. Kuwait’s state oil company reported that the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery suffered several drone strikes, causing fires in several production units. This refinery is the latest target in Iran’s series of attacks on energy infrastructure.
Trump stated that the US is nearly achieving its goals in this war, including weakening Iran’s military power and preventing the country from developing nuclear weapons. He also opened the possibility of reducing military operations.
However, Trump openly condemned the US’s allies. He called them ‘cowards’ for refusing to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid a conflict that, in his view, they never consulted on beforehand.
Several allies have indeed expressed readiness to join in ‘appropriate efforts’ to ensure the security of shipping routes in the strait. However, countries like Germany and France have emphasised that fighting must be stopped first before such steps are taken.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is even said to be planning to speak directly with Trump to discuss the situation.
Meanwhile, the British government has granted permission for the United States to use its military base in the UK to launch strikes against Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.