US deploys thousands more troops to war as Iran threatens global tourism sites
WASHINGTON, DC: The United States is deploying additional forces to the Middle East as tensions with Iran continue to escalate, with officials warning of a widening conflict. The move comes as Iran issues new threats targeting tourist and recreational sites worldwide.
On one of the holiest days on the Islamic calendar, Iran fired on Israel and energy sites in neighboring Gulf Arab states, insisting that it can still build missiles and issuing a new threat to deny safety to its enemies in “parks, recreational areas, and tourist destinations” worldwide.
Military buildup continues amid rising tensions
US officials said the additional deployment includes a Marine Expeditionary Unit supported by naval assets, reflecting a broader effort to reinforce forces in the region.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will stop attacking the gas field that Iranians depend on for most of their electricity at the request of US President Donald Trump.
Iran responded to Israel’s attack on the field by intensifying targeting of energy infrastructure in other Middle East countries, sending oil and gas prices soaring.
Ukraine is using its drone expertise to help Middle East countries against Iran
Ukrainian officials are helping five Middle Eastern and Gulf countries counter attacks by Iranian drones, while the United States and European countries have requested support, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday.
“Our teams are already working with five countries on countering (Iran’s) ‘Shahed’ drones — we have provided expert assessments and are helping build a defense system,” Zelenskyy said on X.
Thousands of sailors and Marines are going to a war zone
Just a few days ago, the US military moved another group of amphibious assault ships with Marines from the Pacific to the Middle East.
Last week, US officials also said that the USS Tripoli and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which are based in Japan, have been ordered to the Middle East.
They will be moving from exercises near Taiwan. People could see the USS Tripoli and the USS New Orleans, another amphibious assault ship, sailing west of Malaysia on publicly available satellite images earlier this week.
The two Marine Expeditionary Units will bring about 5,000 Marines and thousands of sailors to the area where the US is engaged.
Iran’s military’s warning
Iran’s military warns ‘parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations’ worldwide won’t be safe for enemies.
Iran’s top military spokesman warned Friday that “parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations” worldwide won’t be safe for Tehran’s enemies.
Gen Abolfazl Shekarchi made the threat as Iran continues to be hit by American and Israeli airstrikes.
JUST IN: Iran Threatens Spring Break Destinations Worldwide.
— Kristin Sokoloff (@ksoklower48) March 20, 2026
No specific cities named—just a broad warning targeting tourist hotspots.
The warning, delivered on Iranian state TV by Brig. Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, pointed directly at tourist sites tied to spring break… pic.twitter.com/L8g3RCxFX6
It renews a concern held by analysts as the war goes on that Iran could revert to using militant attacks beyond the Middle East as a pressure tactic in the war.
“From now on, based on the information we have about you, even parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations anywhere in the world will no longer be safe for you,” Shekarchi said in a statement published online by Iranian state television.
