**THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ — **President Trump has ordered a massive "Tactical Surge" in the Middle East, deploying thousands of U.S. Marines and an advanced naval strike group to counter Iran’s ongoing blockade of the world’s most critical oil chokepoint.
According to reports from the Daily Express and Axios on Friday, March 13, 2026, the USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship, is leading a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) into the region to provide "more options" for the next phase of the conflict.
The deployment signals a shift from purely aerial "Decisive Force" to a potential "Ground Incursion" as the U.S. prepares to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force.
**A "Total Destruction" Mandate
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a blunt assessment of the Iranian military's status, framing the current mission as a final dismantling of the regime's power.
- The Goal: Hegseth was explicit about the administration's "Master Plan" for the region:
"We're on plan to defeat, destroy, disable all of their meaningful military capabilities at a pace the world has never seen before."
- **Naval and Air Dominance: **Hegseth claimed the Iranian Navy is essentially "at the bottom of the Persian Gulf" and their Air Force is no longer functioning. He emphasized that the regime has lost its industrial "Lethal Readiness":
"They also don't have the ability to build more. That's the most important component I'd like to emphasise today."
- **The Tripoli Strike Group: **The deployment includes the USS Tripoli, multiple warships, and F-35 fighter jets, providing U.S. Central Command with what officials call "more options" for military operations.
The $11 Billion Chokepoint
The Strait of Hormuz remains the primary theater of the "Global Master Plan" for energy stability, but the costs are mounting rapidly.
- **The Financial Toll: **U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that shipping disruptions and the war effort have already cost the country $11 billion (£8 billion). Despite the cost, he maintained that Navy escorts for commercial ships could begin "soon."
- **The "Oil Island" Threat: **Reports suggest Trump is "considering" seizing Iran's Kharg Island, the "Oil Island" responsible for 90% of the regime’s exports, to permanently cripple their $5.8 billion economy (Topic 41).
- **Targeting the "Quiet" Threat: **U.S. military planners are reportedly preparing operations to take out land-based anti-ship missiles along the coast before any commercial escorts begin.
Ground Operations v. "Damaged" Leadership
On March 13, 2026, the "Legal War" in Washington shifted to the potential for "Boots on the Ground" and the psychological state of the enemy.
- **The Marine Mandate: **While the Pentagon declined to confirm if the MEU would conduct ground operations, the deployment provides the "Warrior" flexibility to seize coastal assets or port facilities.
- **The Five-Word Verdict: **Trump issued a blunt assessment of Iran's Supreme Leader, calling him "damaged" and suggesting the regime is in a state of "Internal Collapse."
- **The "Lethal Gap": **Critics in the UK and US are watching the "Tactical Alert" closely, questioning if the deployment of Marines signals a long-term "Excursion" that could further drain the $39 trillion national debt.
"A Pace the World Has Never Seen"
Secretary Hegseth’s rhetoric underscores an administration that has abandoned "Strategic Patience" for "Propulsive Energy."
For the Trump administration, the goal is a "Total Reset" of Middle Eastern security.
For the Marines aboard the USS Tripoli, the goal is "Lethal Readiness" as they approach the most dangerous waters on the planet.