Strait of Hormuz crisis: Nearly 5,000 US Marines head to Middle East, signal boots on ground

According to the report, reopening the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a primary objective, as earlier goals such as overthrowing Iran's leadership or permanently curbing its nuclear ambitions are now viewed as unlikely to be achieved

• US sends nearly 5,000 troops to Mideast as tensions rise
• US aims to control Strait of Hormuz and key energy sites
• Iran vows retaliation for strikes on its energy facilities

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Nearly 5,000 US sailors and Marines are heading to the Middle East, in what could signal potential boots on the ground, according to a report by the Washington Post, as tensions escalate around the Strait of Hormuz.

The Washington Post, citing US and Israeli security officials, reported that the deployment - coupled with US President Donald Trump's threat to "obliterate" Iran's energy infrastructure - is setting the stage for what is increasingly being seen as the war's potential endgame: a battle for control of the strategic waterway and key energy installations.

According to the report, reopening the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a primary objective, as earlier goals such as overthrowing Iran's leadership or permanently curbing its nuclear ambitions are now viewed as unlikely to be achieved.

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The Washington Post noted that gaining control of the strait could allow the US to stabilise global energy flows, weaken Iran's strategic leverage, and offer a pathway for winding down the conflict while still claiming a strategic win.

The report further said the incoming forces include an infantry battalion landing team backed by helicopters, F-35 fighter jets and armoured landing vehicles, with the Pentagon also fast-tracking the deployment of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit from San Diego.

Quoting officials familiar with the planning, the Washington Post indicated that the objective could extend to securing key assets, including Iran's primary oil export hub, as part of efforts to tighten pressure on Tehran.

The report also cited an Iranian military spokesperson warning that any attack on its energy infrastructure would trigger retaliation against US-linked targets across the Persian Gulf, including energy, technology and water facilities.

Separately, the Washington Post highlighted intensified Iranian strikes on Israel, with powerful missile attacks injuring more than 100 people, underscoring the risk of further escalation as the conflict enters a more decisive phase.