Donald Trump sends 5,000 Marines to Iran to combat new tactic that could bring down world economy

As tensions in Iran continue to escalate, Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth have sent 5,000 marines to the conflict.

It comes after the death toll of US troops rose to 13, after six service members who were on board a refuelling aircraft which crashed were confirmed dead.

The focus now is on the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between Iran and Oman which is a vital shipping channel for oil, which has been caught in a chokehold by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

There had been reports Iran had been laying mines in the Strait, to which the US responded by taking out boats which were reported to be full of explosives.

Around 5,000 marines have now been deployed to the area following the move to prevent further damage.

It follows Trump writing on Truth Social: "If Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY!”

According to the Daily Mail, Hegseth approved a request from the US Central Command to deploy a Marine expeditionary unit.

Officials told the Wall Street Journal that these units usually include several warships and 5,000 marines and sailors.

Following the command, they are now heading to the Middle East on the Japan-based USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship.

Hegseth said at a press conference that if 'Iran does anything to stop the flow of oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America 20 times harder than they have been hit thus far'.

He also posted on X that the US 'has been eliminating inactive mine-laying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz—wiping them out with ruthless precision.

"We will not allow terrorists to hold the Strait of Hormuz hostage," and insisted the US is on track to 'defeat, destroy and disable' Iran's military.

As well as the Strait of Hormuz, attention has now landed on Iran's Kharg Island.

U.S. forces eliminated multiple Iranian naval vessels, March 10, including 16 minelayers near the Strait of Hormuz. pic.twitter.com/371unKYiJs

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 10, 2026

The island is located around 16 miles from the mainland but it responsible for 90% of Iran's fuel exports, and the Trump administration is considering seizing control.

The Daily Mail reports Trump told a US Radio station on Friday that the island is 'not high on the list' but said 'it's one of so many different things, and I can change my mind in seconds.'

Hegseth also hit out at the press, saying 'we're dealing with' the Strait, while insisting 'you don't need to worry about it.'

Gas and oil prices continue to rise as the conflict continue.

In the US, domestic gas prices rose to $3.60 per gallon, with crude oil hovering at around $100 per barrel.

It's not just oil and gas to be mindful of, as the route is also used to transport rubber, electronics, batteries, sugar, pharmaceuticals and plastic.

According to CNBC, around one-third of the world's fertiliser trade passes through the Strait too, which could lead to food prices increasing.

Animal feed prices could also rise, and the fashion industry could be hit too, due to a reliance on petrochemicals to manufacture many garments, one expert told the outlet.