US Considers Military Action to Control Iran's Kharg Island Amid Tensions

Potential Military Operations in Iran

Following extensive airstrikes, the Trump administration is reportedly exploring options to either occupy or blockade Kharg Island in Iran. This move aims to compel Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by Axios, citing sources familiar with the discussions. If this operation is greenlit, it would necessitate an increase in troop deployment, with three Marine units already en route to the area. A US official indicated that additional troops might be sent shortly.

Taking control of Kharg Island, located 15 miles offshore and responsible for processing 90% of Iran's crude oil exports, could expose US forces to greater risks. The operation would only proceed after the US military has sufficiently weakened Iran's military capabilities around the Strait of Hormuz. A source close to the White House mentioned, "We need about a month to further diminish Iranian defenses with strikes, secure the island, and leverage it for negotiations."

A senior official from the administration stated that Trump is determined to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, and if taking Kharg Island is necessary, it will be pursued. "If he opts for a coastal invasion, it will happen, but that decision is still pending," the official explained. Another senior figure emphasized that while there has always been a military presence in conflicts under every administration, including Trump's, no final decision has been reached yet.

Significance of Kharg Island for Iran

Despite its small size, Kharg Island is vital for Iran's crude oil exports. The island hosts a significant terminal that manages the majority of the nation's overseas oil shipments. Crude oil is transported from Iranian fields to Kharg Island, where it is stored until loaded onto large tankers. These tankers then navigate south through the Persian Gulf, around the crucial Strait of Hormuz, and typically head towards Asia. China stands out as one of the largest consumers of Iranian crude oil.

Recently, US forces targeted military sites on Kharg Island, including missile storage and naval mine facilities, while intentionally avoiding damage to the island's oil export infrastructure.