The commandos have not been assigned specific roles. But President Trump has expressed concern about the now-closed Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s store of enriched uranium.
Marines training in Okinawa, Japan, last year. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit have been sent to the Middle East, though it is unclear what they will be used for.
The U.S.S. Tripoli entering the Singapore Strait earlier this month. The 2,500 Marines who have been dispatched to the Middle East are part of the U.S.S. Tripoli amphibious ready group.