**Thousands of US Troops to Be Deployed to West Asia Amid Escalating Tensions** The US military is set to deploy thousands of additional Marines and sailors to West Asia, according to three US officials who spoke on Friday. The deployment, which is expected to add to the 50,000 US troops already in the region, will build up the capacity for future operations in the area. However, no decision has been made to send troops into Iran itself. **Amphibious Assault Ships Headed to West Asia** One US official confirmed that the USS Boxer and two other amphibious assault ships, along with approximately 2,500 Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, are en route to West Asia from their home port of San Diego. The troops are departing the US about three weeks ahead of schedule. The additional deployments will bring two Marine Expeditionary Units to the region, with each unit typically consisting of 2,500 Marines. **Escalating Military Efforts to Clear the Strait of Hormuz** US military officials have confirmed that US warplanes and attack helicopters are ramping up assaults against Iranian drones and naval vessels in an effort to clear the Strait of Hormuz. Gen. Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated on Thursday that low-flying Air Force A-10 Warthog planes are "hunting and killing fast-attack watercraft" operated by Iran's Revolutionary Guard in the contested sea lanes. Additionally, regional allies have been using Apache helicopter gunships to "handle one-way attack drones," a potent weapon used by Iran to strike across the Persian Gulf. **US Considers Occupation of Kharg Island** The US is reportedly considering plans to occupy Iran's Kharg Island in an effort to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This information comes from Axios, which cited four sources on Friday. The move is seen as a potential escalation of tensions in the region. **Belarus Fertiliser Curbs Lifting** In a separate development, the US has lifted sanctions on three Belarusian companies that produce a crucial ingredient in fertiliser. The move was made in exchange for Minsk freeing 250 political prisoners. The lifting of sanctions is aimed at addressing the impact of war on fertiliser prices, which have skyrocketed and threaten farmers' bottom lines.