The United States is moving roughly 9,000 additional troops and a third aircraft carrier toward the Middle East, according to U.S. officials, as tensions with Iran continue to escalate.

The deployment includes the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and the USS Makin Island amphibious readiness group, carrying more than 7,000 sailors and about 2,000 Marines. The move could push the number of U.S. sailors and Marines in the region above 20,000, alongside hundreds of aircraft.

The military buildup comes as the Trump administration considers its next steps in the conflict with Iran. U.S. officials have been preparing options that could place as many as three aircraft carriers in the region later this year.

The deployment represents a significant increase in U.S. military activity in the Middle East and comes amid continuing concerns over regional security, shipping routes and the possibility of further military action.