WSJ What’s News More U.S. Troops Arrive in Middle East
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Mar 30, 2026 Shelby Holliday, WSJ national security correspondent covering U.S. troop movements and Iran tensions. She outlines what the newly arrived Marine unit might do. She discusses contemplated missions including seizures and escort operations. She also talks through how the situation is reshaping regional strikes and energy supply concerns.
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31st Marine Expeditionary Unit Widens US Options
- The arrival of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit expands US military options in the Middle East.
- The ~2,200 Marines aboard three warships could seize islands, escort convoys, seize Iranian oil shipments, or serve as a diversion for other operations.
Uranium Seizure Is A Possible Military Option
- The Trump administration considered a complex mission to seize nearly 1,000 pounds of uranium from Iran.
- Such an operation would likely put US forces inside Iran for days and aims to prevent future nuclear weapon development.
Conflict Spreads And Hits Global Supply Chains
- The war widened as Yemen's Houthis attacked Israel and Iran-linked groups continued missile and rocket fire.
- Israel rationed high-end interceptors while aluminum producers in Bahrain and the UAE sustained major damage, hurting global supply.