US sends assault ship USS Tripoli, 2,500 Marines to Middle East amid war

US military has sent 2,500 Marines and amphibious assault ship, USS Tripoli, to the Middle East after nearly two weeks of war with Iran. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships carrying the marines are based in Japan. Defence analysts said the deployment of Marines doesn't necessarily indicate that Iran's ground invasion is imminent.