The balance of power in the Strait of Hormuz is shifting dramatically. Iran, which once believed it controlled this vital waterway with its fast boats, now faces a shocking reality.

The arrival of the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli at the head of a Marine Expeditionary Unit, including the 31st Reconnaissance Battalion, represents an unprecedented nightmare for the Iranian regime. This elite force of approximately 2,500 troops is moving at maximum speed toward the region, signaling Washington’s shift from airstrikes to a potential “boots on the ground” option.

Known as “Force 911,” these units are not ordinary reinforcements—they are self-contained, integrated forces combining ground combat elements with artillery, amphibious vehicles, fighter jets like F-35s, and attack helicopters, effectively turning the ship into a miniature aircraft carrier operating in the heart of the Strait.

Primary objective: regain control over the Strait of Hormuz from the Revolutionary Guard, which has disrupted global shipping. The number of transiting ships dropped to just 77 in early March, compared to over 1,000 in the previous year.

With this deployment, all military options are on the table: from rapid raids on islands used by the Guard as missile and drone launch points, to full control of strategic sites like Kharg Island, Iran’s economic lifeline and source of roughly 90% of its oil exports.

Missions may also include highly sensitive tasks, such as securing enriched uranium stocks to prevent any “dirty bomb” scenario, or collaborating with the CIA and Mossad to engage opposition groups and build an internal resistance movement to overthrow the regime.

This marks a new phase that goes beyond traditional deterrence, putting Tehran’s influence and the regime’s existence at stake. These special forces could fundamentally shift the balance of power internally and potentially end the regime’s dominance forever.

(The Middle East) copied from Amir Tsarfati

Update:

American retaliation – strategic shift

Financial Times reports a major U.S. pivot:

• Air-defense systems and ammunition redirected from Europe to the Middle East

• Focus shifting fully toward confrontation with Iran

On the ground

• Deliveries to Europe – especially Patriot interceptors – expected to be delayed

• Systems already moved from Europe to protect U.S. forces and allies in the region

• U.S. deprioritizing Russia–Ukraine track – signaling full attention on Iran

Europe reacts

• Anger and concern – described as a “disaster”

• Accelerating independence from U.S. arms supply

• France taking its own path – deploying forces to the region

Middle East implications

• Stronger U.S. deterrence posture

• Shortages creating competition for air-defense systems

• Rising risk of escalation with Iran

• Gulf states reassessing alliances

Bottom line

• The Middle East is now Washington’s top priority

• Europe is sidelined

• The global balance is shifting

(Nziv .net)