Svmuu News According to a report by the U.S. Wall Street Journal on the 19th, citing sources, the United States is deploying additional troops to the Middle East and may seize a key Iranian oil export hub to force Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. The report states that the U.S. Marine Corps' 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, comprising approximately 2,200 personnel, is en route from Japan to the Middle East aboard amphibious assault ships and is expected to arrive in about a week. The U.S. could potentially use this force to occupy Kharg Island, using it as leverage to pressure Iran into opening the Strait of Hormuz. Former U.S. Central Command Commander Frank McKenzie said, "(The U.S. military) could destroy its (Kharg Island's) oil infrastructure, which would cause irreparable damage to Iran and the global economy. Or they could occupy it and use it as a bargaining chip." (Xinhua News Agency)