The White House / Flickr
US President Donald Trump
Sources close to the White House say Trump is considering a direct land operation to control Kharg Island and once again allow oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Donald Trump’s administration is considering a range of military options that target Iran’s crucial oil infrastructure, including possible occupation or blockade of Kharg island to try to reopen the passage in the Strait of Hormuz.
Kharg Island, located about 15 miles off the Iranian coast, is responsible for about 90% of crude oil exports of the country, which makes it a critical point of influence. The Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has caused energy prices to soar around the world and put pressure on the US and Israel to end the conflict.
According to sources interviewed by , although no final decision has been taken, military action remains under discussion. The options under consideration include a direct land operation to take the island or a naval blockade to prevent oil tankers from accessing it. Any such measure, however, would likely be preceded by a sustained campaign of airstrikes aimed at weakening Iranian defenses in the region.
“We need about a month to further weaken the Iranians with attacks, take the island and then grab them by the balls and use it as a bargaining chip for negotiations”, says a source.
The recent US attacks on Kharg Island are seen as part of this preparatory effort. Officials described the actions as a warning to Tehran and a step toward degrading military capabilities, which could threaten U.S. forces. Trump himself has suggested that the US has the capacity to take control of the island quicklyalthough he publicly downplayed the likelihood of sending ground troops.
“He wants the Strait of Hormuz open. If he has to take the island of Kharg to make that happen, he will do it. If you decide to carry out a coastal invasion, you will also do so. But that decision has not yet been taken,” says a senior government official.
Behind the scenes, the Pentagon is strengthening its presence. It is expected that approximately 2500 marines arrive in the region within days, with two additional units on the way. Other troop deployments are also being considered, which demonstrates the seriousness of contingency planning.
“We have always had troops on the ground in conflicts under every president, including Trump. I know this is a media obsession, and I understand the politics involved, but the president will do what is right”, guarantees another senior official.
Alternative strategies are also being considered, including sending naval escorts to ensure the safe passage of commercial oil tankers through the strait, potentially avoiding a direct confrontation on land.
The crisis has already changed Trump’s diplomatic agenda, forcing the postponement of a planned trip to China and prolonging the conflict beyond initial expectations.
