US weighs ground operation to seize Iran’s Kharg Island: Israeli media

Washington speeding up deployment of Marines and naval forces to Middle East, report says

The US is weighing a possible ground operation to seize Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export hub, Israeli media reported Sunday. The Jerusalem Post, citing two sources familiar with the matter, said senior US officials recently informed their Israeli counterparts and other countries that Washington may have no alternative but to launch a ground operation to take control of the island. A US official also told the newspaper that the US military has sped up the deployment of thousands of Marines and Navy personnel to the Middle East as part of preparations for a potential operation. The report said the reinforcements include the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group along with the amphibious transport ships USS Portland and USS Comstock. Is said the deployment could involve around 4,500 Marines and additional combat forces, raising speculation about a possible landing operation on the island. Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf, is Iran's vital economic backbone and primary oil export hub, processing roughly 90% of the nation's crude shipments, often bound for China. The report added that discussions have recently taken place within the US administration on the possibility of seizing the island to pressure Iran to stop disrupting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Since early March, Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to most ships. The key oil transit route normally handles around 20 million barrels of oil per day and roughly 20% of global liquefied natural gas trade. The closure has driven up shipping and insurance costs, pushed oil prices higher, and raised global economic concerns. On Saturday, US President Donald Trump threatened to "obliterate" Iran's power plants, starting with the largest, if Tehran did not open the strategic passage within 48 hours. Hostilities in the region have escalated since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began on Feb. 28. Iran has retaliated with repeated drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.