In recent weeks, Iran has been increasing its military presence and installing air defense systems on Kharg Island in preparation for a potential operation by the United States. This was reported by CNN, citing its sources.
According to information, the Trump administration is considering deploying U.S. troops to seize this small island in the northeastern Persian Gulf, which is a key economic hub for Iran, as approximately 90% of its oil exports pass through it. This is seen as a means of pressuring Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
However, military experts and officials in the U.S. warn that such a ground operation could result in significant casualties among American soldiers. The island is well defended, and according to sources, Iranian forces have recently transferred additional portable air defense missile systems (MANPADS) there.
Iran is also setting various traps, including anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, particularly along the coastline where U.S. troops might attempt to land in the event of a ground operation if President Trump makes such a decision.
Some of the president's allies express doubts about the feasibility of this operation, as a successful seizure of the island alone will not resolve the broader issues related to control of the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian influence on the global energy market.
The U.S. Central Command has not yet commented on Iran's actions on Kharg.
American forces have already conducted strikes on targets on Kharg on March 13, damaging 90 targets, including naval mine storage facilities and military depots. Trump announced the attacks, noting that U.S. troops avoided striking the island's oil infrastructure for ethical reasons.
Israeli sources express concerns that the capture of Kharg could provoke attacks from Iranian drones and MANPADS, leading to casualties among American servicemen. "There is hope that they will not take such a risk and instead attack oil fields, but predicting this is difficult," noted a source.
Retired Admiral James Stavridis, a military analyst for CNN and former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, expressed serious concerns about this. He noted that Iran will do everything possible to inflict maximum damage on U.S. forces.
On Wednesday, the speaker of the Iranian parliament warned "enemies" against attempts to occupy Iranian territories. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the Iranian armed forces are monitoring enemy movements and are ready to respond to any aggressive actions.
Ghalibaf also emphasized that Iran is closely tracking all U.S. actions in the region, especially troop deployments.
Kharg Island, which is about three times smaller than Manhattan, would require the deployment of significant amphibious forces for its capture if such a decision is made. It is located in the northern Persian Gulf, near Iranian oil facilities.
Recently, two expeditionary Marine Corps units specializing in amphibious and assault operations have been deployed to the Middle East. These units include several thousand Marines, as well as landing ships and aircraft. They are expected to be involved in the operation to capture Kharg. Additionally, around 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army are expected to be deployed to the region.
The Central Command is continuously monitoring the island, allowing the military to track changes in the terrain, including mined areas.
According to Stavridis, American strikes on the island have weakened some elements of its air and naval defenses. However, given the island's proximity to the Iranian coast, U.S. forces remain vulnerable to Iranian missiles and drones.
Reports indicate that the U.S. maintains plans for the rapid destruction of sensitive information in the event of the capture of American facilities abroad, and it is expected that Iran may have similar measures.
Gulf allies are also urging the Trump administration not to prolong the conflict by avoiding troop deployments on Kharg or interference in Iran's nuclear program. Concerns are related to the fact that the occupation of the island could lead to significant casualties and retaliatory actions from Iran.
Instead, countries in the region insist that the U.S. focus on eliminating Iran's ballistic capabilities, which American officials agree with. In recent days, the Pentagon has informed allies of significant destruction of Iranian missile capabilities.
Stavridis suggested that one way to pressure Iran would be to consider a blockade of Kharg, which would make oil exports impossible without the need to land troops on the shore.
