This is CBS Eye on the World with John Batchler.

Here's John Batchler.

Stars and stripes on the Middle East.

Marines newly deployed to the Middle East already are training for shipboard roles,

protecting oil tankers and other commercial ships from Iranian aggression.

News that comes a day after US officials told some media outlets they were considered

during the possibility of such a plan.

About 100 Marines, stars and stripes reports have been training in Bahrain for specialized

defensive teams that would travel briefly with commercial ships through and near the

straight of our moves, according to a US official.

Putting Marines and sailors on civilian tankers and unprecedented step in the post-World

War II, it does remind, however, of the first war, the period before the US committed itself

to the Allies.

There was reason to arm the commercial ships.

There was concern, grave concern, of German U-boats.

But in this instance, it's Iranian-fast attack boats and missiles.

To help me understand this story and others, I welcome Benjamin Talibil, a senior fellow

of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.

Benjamin, I was surprised putting Marine in harm's way on a commercial ship.

How did it surprise you and how has Iran reacted, because this is clearly meant to be a blunt

to their harassing of the shipmen?

Well, John, it's a pleasure to be with you.

...