WASHINGTON

The Pentagon is weighing sending additional warships to the Middle East as Iran steps up its attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

Citing three US officials, the report said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved a request from US Central Command for an element of an amphibious ready group and attached Marine expeditionary unit, typically consisting of several warships and 5,000 Marines.

The Japan-based USS Tripoli and its attached Marines are now headed for the Middle East, two of the officials said, according to the report.

Marines are already in the Middle East supporting the operation against Iran, the officials said.

The Pentagon did not comment on the future posture plan when asked by Anadolu.

Earlier, Hegseth dismissed worries that the war with Iran would lead to a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has been “exercising sheer desperation” in the Strait of Hormuz, Hegseth said, adding: “We have been dealing with it, and you don’t need to worry about it.”

Asked when the strait might be fully operational again, Hegseth said “the only thing” preventing transit is Iran firing at ships.

“We have a plan for every option here. We’re working with our interagency partners, and that’s not a strait we’re going to allow to remain contested or to see a disruption in the flow of commercial goods,” he added.