Washington DC [US], March 14 (ANI): The United States is sending an amphibious Ready Group (ARG) led by the USS Tripoli and around 2,500 Marines to West Asia as tensions rise near the Strait of Hormuz following recent attacks linked to Iran, Fox News, citing a defence official, said.

According to the report, the Pentagon is deploying the USS Tripoli ARG, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), part of its own strike group.

The ship is currently based in Japan and is expected to reach the US Central Command's (USCENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR), West Asia, within one to two weeks.

The Marines will join a large American military presence already in the region. According to New York Times, more than 50,000 US troops are currently operating across West Asia.

US Pentagon's want for this new deployment comes amid increasing tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's recent attacks near the waterway have disrupted maritime traffic through one of the world's most important energy routes.

The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. It connects the Persian Gulf with the northern Arabian Sea and is a key route for global energy supplies.

Iran's southern coastline runs along the strait. Ships passing through the waterway are often contacted by Iranian authorities through maritime radio communications when they enter or exit the Gulf.

The Strait handles a major share of global oil transport. Around one-fifth of the world's oil passes through the route on large commercial tankers.

Recent security concerns have already affected oil shipments in the region. Tanker traffic slowed after strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran in later part of February.