The US government is reportedly exploring the option of occupying Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf to exert pressure on Iran to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, sources familiar with the matter have revealed to Axios.
Kharg Island, situated approximately 16 miles off Iran’s coast and 300 miles northwest of the Strait of Hormuz, handles nearly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports. A senior administration official indicated that President Trump is determined to ensure the free flow of traffic through the Strait and is willing to consider taking control of Kharg Island if necessary.
However, any potential operation to occupy or block the island would be preceded by strategic military strikes to weaken Iran’s defenses around the area, reducing the risk to US troops. Sources suggested that a period of roughly a month would be required to sufficiently debilitate Iran’s capabilities before moving forward with seizing the island for negotiation leverage.
Simultaneously, the US is bolstering its military presence in the Middle East, with three additional warships and approximately 2,500 more marines en route, as confirmed by a US official. The region already hosts around 50,000 US troops, with the Pentagon seeking an extra $200 billion allocation for military operations pending congressional approval amid the backdrop of a soaring national debt reaching $39 trillion.
Kharg Island Terminal serves as a crucial hub for Iran’s oil exports, facilitating the connection between the country’s vast oil reserves and the global market. The island boasts significant infrastructure, including expansive storage facilities and pipelines capable of handling millions of barrels of oil daily. Despite past challenges, such as being targeted during the Iran-Iraq War, Kharg Island remains pivotal to Iran’s oil export operations, enabling efficient management of exports even in the face of sanctions.