The United States is preparing to deploy a Marine expeditionary unit to the Middle East as the conflict with Iran continues to intensify, according to U.S. officials.

Washington plans to send a force of around 2,200 Marines to the region aboard three naval vessels, The Caspian Post reports, citing Al Jazeera.

A U.S. defense official told Al Jazeera that the unit will be deployed from the Marine Corps base in Okinawa, Japan, to support ongoing military operations.

The official said the deployment will involve roughly 2,500 personnel who will travel alongside naval ships.

According to the official, the unit is capable of carrying out evacuation missions and can also conduct amphibious landing operations if required.