USS Tripoli group with 2,000+ Marines departing Japan — expected in Gulf soon

Two US officials confirmed to NPR that the USS Tripoli amphibious ready group, carrying more than 2,000 Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is transiting from Japan toward the Persian Gulf and is expected to arrive soon. This is separate from the USS Boxer group (also thousands of Marines, departing California). CENTCOM declined to comment on the deployment or its mission. The combined USS Boxer + USS Tripoli force would represent a substantial amphibious assault capability in or near the Gulf — consistent with the Kharg Island option requiring Marine ground forces. Trump on Thursday denied sending troops: "No. I'm not putting troops anywhere. If I were, I certainly wouldn't tell you, but I'm not putting troops." On Friday he signaled the possibility of winding down. The deployments continue regardless.