ARLINGTON, Va.—A U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit is set to reposition to the Middle East amid ongoing military operations against Iran, a U.S. official familiar with the matter has told The Epoch Times.

Other media outlets first reported that the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), consisting of around 5,000 Marines and sailors, had received orders to head to the Middle East.

The 31st MEU is currently operating near Japan, aboard the USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship, and the USS San Diego and USS New Orleans amphibious transport dock ships.