Trump Administration to Seize Iran's Kharg Island to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

The Trump administration is actively considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran's strategic Kharg Island as a means to pressure Tehran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

“BREAKING Trump dispels Iran ceasefire then says US close to 'winding down' operationLatest Israeli attacks across Lebanon kill over 20 people, almost 60 woundedIran threatens to expand attacks to recreational, tourist sites of 'enemies' Click to pause breaking news tickerpause-square-backgroundClose Breaking News Tickerclose Toggle Play Military movements indicate Trump is considering Iran ground operation The US is moving military assets to the Middle East that are key to providing support for ground troop operations”

Al Jazeera

Four sources with knowledge of the issue told Axios that President Trump cannot declare the conflict over on his terms until Iran's control over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.

Al Jazeera

Global energy prices continue to climb amid the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran as the confrontation has expanded from direct airstrikes to an explicit threat against oil infrastructure.

Washington announced it had struck military targets on Kharg Island, and sources indicate that controlling or disrupting activity there could weaken Iran's leverage over global shipping routes.

Kharg Island handles roughly 90-95% of Iran's crude oil exports, making it a strategic target that could provide significant advantages for the United States.

Military preparations for the potential operation are underway, with multiple Marine units already en route to the region and further reinforcements under consideration.

According to sources cited by annahar, three units of U.S. Marines are heading to the Middle East, while the White House and Department of Defense are weighing additional troop deployments.

Al-Jazeera Net

The USS Boxer has departed from San Diego carrying approximately 2,200 Marines of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and two more similarly sized units are also moving toward the region.

A senior administration official told annahar that 'Trump wants to open the Strait of Hormuz. If he has to seize Kharg Island to achieve that, he will.'

The timeline for such an operation appears to require about a month of continued strikes to weaken Iranian military capabilities before any ground assault would be considered.

The strategic importance and operational risks of a Kharg Island seizure are significant, with military experts warning of potential dangers and uncertain outcomes.

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Anadolu Ajansı

Kharg Island, located about 15 miles off Iran's coast, serves as the primary oil terminal handling 90-95% of Iran's crude oil exports, making it Iran's economic heart.

Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery warned that 'controlling the island could expose American forces to unnecessary risks,' noting that 'Iran might respond by halting its oil production.'

Similarly, retired Admiral Mark Montgomery suggested that 'the United States might instead resort to sending destroyers, warships, and planes to escort oil tankers inside the strait, which could negate the need for a ground invasion.'

Trump himself has acknowledged the strategic value, stating 'I call it the little island that sits there so totally unprotected. We've taken out everything but the pipes.'

International reactions to the potential Kharg Island operation have been mixed, with Iran vowing a strong response and key allies expressing concern over escalation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of 'zero restraint' in response to any attack on Iranian infrastructure, stating 'Any end to this war must address damage to our civilian sites.'

annahar

Iran has vowed that 'not one liter of oil would be exported from the Gulf while the war continues' and pledged an 'eye for an eye' response to any attack.

Western allies have condemned Iran's actions but stopped short of military involvement, with leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada 'strongly condemned Iran's recent attacks on unarmed merchant ships.'

Trump has been highly critical of NATO allies, calling them 'cowards' and asserting that 'Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!' while complaining about their reluctance to join the fight.

Legal and operational considerations are being weighed by administration officials, with multiple scenarios under discussion and Pentagon lawyers consulted on potential actions.

“The children's father was also injured and is in intensive care," he told DHA”

Asharq Al-Awsat

The Trump administration is reportedly considering various approaches to the Kharg Island operation, including special operations raids, combined forces operations with Israel, or naval blockades.

Asharq Al-Awsat

According to The US Sun, Pentagon lawyers have been asked to provide legal opinions on the legitimacy of these measures.

Axios reports that 'one source said Pentagon lawyers had even been consulted to provide opinions on the legality of such potential moves.'

The operation would also require negotiations for basing, access, and overflight from partner states, with historical precedents showing some countries have presented difficulties for such requests.