The Pentagon has ordered the deployment of a Marine expeditionary unit and additional warships to the Middle East amid ongoing tensions with Iran. The move comes nearly two weeks into the conflict, as Iranian attacks on strategic waterways and allied forces have intensified. The Department of War Secretary approved a request from U.S. Central Command (CENCOM) for the "an amphibious ready group" and its Marine Expeditionary unit, which usually involves multiple warships and approximately 5,000 Marines. This move is part of Operation Epic Fury, which aims to neutralize threats posed by Iran's military capabilities. The death toll for the conflict now stands at 13.