Iran-US war latest: Assault ship carrying thousands of American marines arrives in Middle East

(Independent)-Thousands of US marines have arrived in the Middle East aboard the USS Tripoli, according to US Central Command.

It comes amid reports that President Donald Trump would be sending thousands of military personnel to the region in an attempt to defeat Iran.

“The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group/31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about 3,500 Sailors and Marines in addition to transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault and tactical assets,” wrote US Central Command on Saturday.

The arrival of the reinforcements comes amidst speculation of a ground invasion. However, secretary of state Marco Rubio had said on Friday that the US could achieve its goals without a ground invasion.

Earlier this week, reports from theWall Street Journal suggested Trump was considering sending 10,000 troops.

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis launched missiles at Israel in their first attack since the current Middle East conflict broke out.

The Houthis, whose involvement on Saturday risks broadening and prolonging a war that has entered its fifth week, warned their operations would continue until the “aggression” on all fronts ended. Israel said it had ⁠intercepted a missile from Yemen.