The Pentagon is speeding up the deployment of thousands of additional Marines and sailors to the Middle East amid speculation that the Trump administration could send troops into Iranian territory.

The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), made up of at least 2,200 Marines, set off from San Diego aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer on Wednesday, sooner than expected, according to multiple reports.

Reuters reported that the troops ​departed the U.S. about three weeks ahead of schedule.

A Pentagon official told The Hill that due to operational security, it does not discuss “future or hypothetical movements.”

U.S. Central Command, which manages forces in the Middle East, also declined to comment as it “will not speculate on future force posture, or discuss movements that are not in our [area of operation].

The additional Marines would head to the Gulf region less than a week after another unit of 2,200 Marines and sailors left for the area aboard the Japan-based USS Tripoli.

Satellite images showed the Tripoli, along with two escort ships, was traveling southwest across the South China Sea on March 15. The ship carries personnel from the 31st MEU, which contains ground and aerial combat units.

The movements come as President Trump has denied the United States is sending more troops to the Middle East.