President Trump is reportedly considering strategies to take control of the small island that serves as a key point in Iran’s oil export operations, as per sources in the United States. The Trump administration is evaluating potential actions to either occupy or blockade Kharg Island in Iran, with the aim of pressuring Tehran to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, according to information provided by four sources familiar with the situation to Axios.
Kharg Island, situated in the Persian Gulf, is located approximately 16 miles from the Iranian shoreline and about 300 miles northwest of the Strait of Hormuz. The island plays a critical role in processing nearly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports, linking the country’s oil reserves to the global market for an extended period.
A senior official within the administration stated to Axios, “He [Trump] wants the Strait of Hormuz open. If seizing Kharg Island is necessary to achieve this goal, it will be done. The decision to proceed with a coastal invasion has not been finalized yet.”
Caution has been advised by officials, highlighting the potential risks to U.S. troops in occupying or blockading the island. Any such operation would likely be initiated only after further weakening Iran’s military capabilities in the vicinity of the strait.
While some sources suggest a strategic timeline for potential actions, others have raised concerns about the repercussions of a high-stakes move. Rear Admiral (Ret) Mark Montgomery warned, “If we seize Kharg Island, they’re going to turn off the spigot on the other end. It’s not like we control their oil production.”
Kharg Island boasts significant storage facilities and pipeline infrastructure capable of managing millions of barrels of crude oil daily. The island serves as a key hub for oil tankers, facilitating the transportation of oil extracted from southwestern Iranian fields. Historically, the island was targeted during the Iran-Iraq War due to its critical economic significance.
In parallel developments, additional warships and approximately 2,500 marines are en route to the Middle East, as confirmed by a U.S. official to The Associated Press. Sources suggest that the potential occupation of Kharg Island by ground forces is under consideration, alongside the option of implementing a naval blockade to impede tanker access.
An insider indicated that incoming marines could be assigned various tasks, including potential embassy staff evacuations if required. The U.S. military currently maintains around 50,000 troops stationed in the region.
