The United States is sending more warships and thousands of Marines to the Middle East in a bid to increase security following Iranian attempts to seize commercial ships in the Gulf.

Authorities say Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has approved the deployment of the U.S.S. Bataan amphibious readiness group as well as the 26th Marine Expeditional Unit to the Gulf region.

The readiness group is comprised of three ships, including the Bataan, an amphibious assault ship.

An expeditional unit usually consists of some 2,500 Marines.

Iran attempted to seize two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month, opening fire on one of them.