Pentagon sending three warships and thousands of additional marines to the Middle East, even as US President Trump insists he will not put American boots on the ground in Iran, according to WSJ citing US officials

The escalation of military presence in the Middle East, with the U.S. sending three warships and additional marines, indicates heightened tensions that could lead to increased volatility in oil prices and broader market sentiment. While President Trump's assurance against deploying troops on the ground suggests a desire to avoid direct conflict, this military buildup could still trigger risk aversion among investors, influencing flows into safe-haven assets like gold and the USD.