India, March 14 -- The US Department of Defense is sending more Marines and Navy ships to the Middle East as tensions rise near the Strait of Hormuz. US officials said that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved a request from CENTCOM to send part of an amphibious ready group along with a Marine unit to the region.

These groups usually include several ships and about 5,000 Marines. Officials said the Japan-based assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) and its Marines are already heading to the Middle East.

The move comes as Iran has stepped up attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz which is an important route for global oil shipments.

Some posts on X claimed the move means the United States is preparing to invade Iran.

One user wrote, "US...