From Khargah to Qeshm: Six Iranian islands Trump could target amid Strait of Hormuz tensions

US President Donald Trump is weighing several military options against Iran, with a focus on the main islands in the Persian Gulf. The islands are strategically important because of their proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy chokepoint, and their important role in Iran’s oil industry and military defense. Officials have warned that the risks of seizing and controlling Iranian territory are far greater than any U.S. action taken so far in the conflict.The Pentagon is developing plans for a lethal strike that could include ground and bombing operations, multiple sources told Axios’ Barak Ravid. Options on the table include seizing ships near the Strait of Hormuz or invading specific islands, including Khargah, Iran’s main oil export hub.

kharg island

Khag Island is about 15 miles off the coast of Iran and handles about 90% of the country’s crude oil exports. The island also has freshwater resources that help sustain its thousands of residents and major infrastructure. Its deep waters allow large tankers to dock, meaning a direct attack could quickly disrupt Iran’s oil exports, much of which goes to China.However, invading and taking control of Al-Kharg would put U.S. forces more directly in the line of fire than the ongoing air campaign. U.S. officials have also discussed blocking the island as leverage to persuade Iran to reach a deal.

Larak Island

Larak Island is located at the narrowest point of the Strait of Hormuz and is a key point for Iran’s oil exports. Iran uses Larak, which has a network of bunkers and attack craft capable of destroying cargo ships, to monitor and maintain control of the strait.Seizing Laraq could limit Iran’s ability to harass ships and deploy mines in the strait and could help the United States break an Iranian traffic blockade. However, the island is heavily fortified and would be a challenging target.

Abu Musa, Datonbuxiaotongbu

The Abu Musa and Tumbs Islands are located near the western entrance to the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Although claimed by the United Arab Emirates, Iran has forcibly occupied the islands since 1971. The islands serve as Iranian military outposts equipped with missiles, drones and mine-laying capabilities.The Pentagon reportedly recommended the arrest of Abu Moussa. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on X on Wednesday that Iranian intelligence showed that “Iran’s enemies, with the support of a country in the region, are preparing to take action to occupy an Iranian island.” He added, “If they take any action, all critical infrastructure of countries in the region will be the target of ruthless attacks.”

Qeshm Island

Qeshm Island is the largest island in the Persian Gulf, located on the southern coast of Iran, near the Strait of Hormuz. The island’s underground tunnels store anti-ship missiles, mines, drones and other attack craft. Qeshm Island is sometimes described as “a cork on the world’s most important energy transport corridor,” according to Al Jazeera.Iran accuses the United States of attacking a desalination plant on Qeshm Island early in the war, cutting off water supplies to local villages, a charge the United States denies. Qeshm Island, which covers about 558 square miles, would be a huge target, and there is no indication of plans to capture it.