In a notable development in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran, US President Donald Trump is considering a delicate military option, namely the possibility of deploying ground forces to control the Iranian island of Kharg, a move that could have wide-ranging strategic implications for the course of the war and energy security in the region.
According to CNN, citing White House officials, “taking control of Kharg Island could bankrupt the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, hastening the end of the war,” while officials confirmed that Iran has already begun strengthening its military presence and air defenses on the island in anticipation of any possible American move.
Kharg Island is located about 26 kilometers from the Iranian coast in the northern Gulf, and an estimated distance of 483 kilometers northwest of the Strait of Hormuz. It is considered a vital center for the export of Iranian oil, as about 90% of the country’s exports pass through it. The island is characterized by its deep waters that allow giant oil tankers to dock, making it a central point in energy trade, and any targeting or control over it means directing a direct blow to the Iranian economy, especially since Tehran is considered one of the major producers in OPEC.
On the field level, US forces launched raids on the island in mid-March, with Trump declaring that Washington had “completely wiped out” military targets there, hinting that the next step might include targeting oil infrastructure. In this context, Reuters quoted American officials that the administration is considering sending ground forces, with Marine units expected to arrive in the region soon, in addition to plans to deploy thousands of soldiers by air to expand the military options before the White House.
Although control of the island may be relatively quick in military terms, analysts warn of its repercussions, considering that it may expand the scope of the war rather than resolve it. Experts pointed out that this step may expose American forces to intense attacks with missiles and drones, including small, high-precision drones, similar to those used in the Ukrainian war. Iran may also resort to intensifying the war of naval mines, which increases the danger of navigation in the Gulf, especially in light of the tension that already exists in the Strait of Hormuz.
On the other hand, observers believe that Trump may seek, through this step, to pressure Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which would give him a strong negotiating card in any future negotiations. However, former military commanders warn of the cost of this operation, as controlling the island may require hundreds of soldiers, but preserving it will require significant logistical support and continuous protection, which exposes the forces to high risks, in light of an open battle over multiple possibilities that may redraw the balances of the region.
