US military increases regional forces as Iran defiance narrows Trump options
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · May 2
US military increases regional forces as Iran defiance narrows Trump options
11 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · May 2
The buildup includes a third aircraft carrier, more than 10,000 Marines and C-17 transport flights, as Trump weighs renewed strikes after over 60 days of war.
Officials say munitions have been replenished, while Iran is recovering missile and drone stockpiles; possible options include limited ground operations or attacks on infrastructure and Kharg Island.
The conflict has cost $25 billion, pushed oil above $100 a barrel and intensified War Powers disputes, while disrupted Hormuz shipping raises US inflation and delays hoped-for Federal Reserve rate cuts.
How sustainable is the U.S. military buildup and blockade given depleted munitions, rising costs, and unresolved legal challenges under the War Powers Act?
Could seizing Kharg Island trigger a global oil crisis and draw the U.S. into a deeper, riskier conflict with unpredictable consequences?