The Trump administration is reportedly considering strategies to take control of Kharg Island, a key hub in Iran’s oil export network, in an effort to pressure Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Kharg Island, situated in the Persian Gulf, plays a crucial role in processing approximately 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports, linking the country’s oil resources to global markets.
A senior administration official indicated that President Trump is determined to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and may resort to occupying Kharg Island to achieve this goal. However, any decision to undertake a coastal invasion has not been finalized. Concerns have been raised about the potential risks to U.S. troops associated with occupying or blockading the island, with suggestions that such actions would only be pursued after weakening Iran’s military capabilities in the region.
While some sources advocate for a strategic approach involving strikes to weaken Iran, followed by an operation to take control of Kharg Island for negotiation leverage, others caution against the risks involved. Rear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery warned that seizing Kharg Island could prompt Iran to disrupt oil production, impacting global markets.
Kharg Island boasts significant storage facilities and pipelines capable of processing millions of barrels of crude oil daily, servicing oil tankers transporting resources from Iran’s southwestern fields. Recent reports indicate that additional warships and marines are en route to the Middle East, with considerations for ground troop occupation of the island, imposing a naval blockade, and disrupting tanker access.
The arrival of Marines could facilitate various operations, including potential embassy staff evacuations if required. The U.S. military currently maintains around 50,000 troops in the region, with the Pentagon seeking an additional $200 billion for war funding, subject to congressional approval amid escalating national debt concerns.