As part of preparations for a possible operation to seize the island, the Trump administration is considering the deployment of American troops to take control of Kharg—a key economic asset for Iran, through which about 90% of its exported oil passes.
However, military experts and U.S. government officials emphasize that a ground operation carries serious risks, including potentially high casualties among personnel. Sources note that the island is protected by a multi-layered defense system, and in recent weeks Iranian forces have strengthened their positions by deploying portable air defense missile systems (MANPADS).
Iran has also placed numerous traps, including mines, along the coastline, which could pose a serious threat to a potential amphibious operation by U.S. troops if President Trump decides on military intervention.
Some of Trump’s allies express doubts about the feasibility of such an operation, pointing out that even a successful seizure of the island would not resolve issues related to the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's influence on the global energy market.
The U.S. Central Command has not yet commented on Iran's actions on Kharg. However, earlier, on March 13, U.S. military forces had already struck the island, destroying 90 targets, including sea mine storage facilities and military bunkers. Trump stated that the attacks were conducted cautiously to avoid damaging the island's oil infrastructure.
Israeli sources express concern that the capture of Kharg could lead to retaliatory attacks by Iran using drones and MANPADS, which could result in the deaths of American servicemen. "We hope they won't take such a risk and will instead strike at oil fields, but it's hard to predict," noted a source.
Retired Admiral James Stavridis, now a CNN analyst, expressed his concern about the possible consequences of the operation. "The Iranians act smartly and ruthlessly. They will do everything possible to inflict maximum casualties on American forces both at sea and on land," he said.
On Wednesday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned "enemies" of the consequences of attempting to occupy Iranian islands. He noted that all actions of the adversary are being monitored and that any provocations will be met with a strong response.
According to CNN, Kharg Island is significantly smaller than Manhattan, and its capture would require the deployment of powerful amphibious forces. The island is located in the northern Persian Gulf, near Iranian oil facilities, making it strategically important.
Two Marine Corps expeditionary units specializing in amphibious operations have already been sent to the Middle East, and sources indicate they may be involved in the operation to capture Kharg. An additional deployment of about 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the region is also expected in the coming days.
The Central Command is conducting continuous aerial surveillance of the island, allowing for monitoring of changes on the ground, including possible mined areas. Stavridis added that strikes on the island have already weakened some elements of its defense; however, proximity to the Iranian coast leaves American forces vulnerable to attacks.
Sources also report that the U.S. is developing plans for the rapid destruction of sensitive information and infrastructure in the event of the capture of American facilities abroad, assuming that Iran may have similar strategies.
Gulf allies are urging the Trump administration to avoid prolonging the conflict, warning against the deployment of troops on Kharg or interference in Iran's nuclear program. Concerns are that occupation would lead to significant casualties and retaliatory actions from Iran, which could exacerbate the situation.
Instead, countries in the region insist on the destruction of Iran's ballistic capabilities before resolving the conflict, which U.S. authorities agree with. In recent days, the Pentagon has reported significant destruction of Iranian missile systems; however, details remain unclear.
Stavridis suggested considering the possibility of blockading Kharg from the sea to prevent oil exports without the need to land troops onshore.
