US military deploys 50,000 troops and enforces blockade against Iran

The United States has deployed over 50,000 service members to the Central Command region as part of Operation Epic Fury against Iran. According to a Pentagon Inspector General report, the conflict has cost approximately $38 billion as of August 1, 2026, with more than $22 billion spent on munitions alone. The report notes significant concerns regarding ammunition stockpiles and the ability of the defense industrial base to sustain the current rate of precision-guided weapon consumption.

To date, the operation has resulted in 18 US service members killed and hundreds wounded. Iranian strikes and proxy attacks have targeted US facilities across eight countries, including Iraq and Saudi Arabia, damaging hundreds of buildings and dozens of aircraft. The Pentagon also managed the evacuation of roughly 9,000 American citizens from the region.

In addition to land and air operations, US Central Command (CENTCOM) is enforcing a maritime blockade against Iran. As of September 18, 2026, CENTCOM reported that forces have redirected 105 commercial vessels to ensure compliance. The USS Boxer and its embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit continue to conduct flight operations in the Arabian Sea to maintain these maritime enforcement efforts.