U.S. Sends More Troops, Oil Prices Keep Rising

On March 13, 2026, the U.S. Department of Defense officially ordered more Marines and warships to the Middle East.
This includes over 2,000 Marines from the 31st MEU and the USS Tripoli (LHA-7) amphibious assault group. The Pentagon is also considering sending more Aegis destroyers to protect merchant ships.
The fleet is sailing from Japan. The journey is about 6,300 to 6,600 nautical miles. At an average speed of 20 knots, it will take about 14 days to arrive.
Many people see this move as the start of a possible full-scale ground war.
The market expects the conflict to last longer, which is pushing energy prices higher.
Today, oil prices officially hit the $100 mark.