In recent weeks, Iran has been laying traps and moving military personnel and air defense forces to kharg island CNN, citing sources familiar with U.S. intelligence, reported that this was to prepare for possible U.S. actions to take control of the island. Khag Island is located in the Persian Gulf and is a major hub for Iran’s oil exports.
Top U.S. officials have been discussing in recent days whether to launch a ground military operation there as the military accelerates the deployment of thousands of Marines and Navy personnel to the region. However, U.S. officials and military experts pointed out that such a ground operation carries significant risks, including causing a large number of American casualties, CNN reported.
How Kharg Island prepared for a possible U.S. invasion
Kharg Island was prepared for a possible U.S. invasion. According to the Jerusalem Post, sources said a layered defense system had been put in place in recent weeks, including “shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile systems, or man-portable air defense systems.” Iran has been laying booby traps, such as anti-personnel and anti-armor mines, along coastlines where U.S. troops have landed.
Some of Trump’s allies wonder whether trying such a move is necessary. Many point out that controlling the island would not solve problems related to the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s foothold in global energy markets.
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According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), as many as 90 targets on the island have been attacked since the United States began launching air strikes on March 13, including “Naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers and multiple other military locations.” President says oil infrastructure spared ‘for reasons of decency’ Donald Trump.
Concerns about U.S. invasion of Kharg Island
Israeli sources said there were widespread concerns that the U.S. invasion of Haqq would lead to an increase in Iranian drone strikes and shoulder-fired missiles. This could in turn lead to American casualties.
“Hopefully they won’t take the risk and open fire on the oil field, but there’s no way of knowing,” he said.
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At the same time, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Gen. James Stavridis said, “The Iranians are smart and ruthless. They will do everything they can to inflict maximum casualties on U.S. ships at sea, especially when ground forces enter anywhere in their sovereign territory.”
Stavridis serves as a CNN military analyst.
Iran’s speaker of parliament warns against attacks
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned against attempts to occupy Iranian islands. He said in an
Ghalibaf warned earlier on Wednesday, March 25, that Iran was “closely monitoring all U.S. actions in the region, especially troop deployments. What the generals destroy, the soldiers cannot repair; instead, they will become victims of Netanyahu’s delusions. Do not test our resolve to defend our land.”
CNN said that Hager Island is about one-third the size of Manhattan, which means that the United States will need to deploy a large number of troops to control the island. CNN sources also revealed that two Marine expeditionary units recently deployed to the area may participate in the operation.
According to reports, these units specialize in rapid-reaction amphibious landings, raids, and assault missions. In addition, 1,000 U.S. soldiers from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division are expected to arrive in the Middle East.
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A source familiar with U.S. military planning said Central Command conducts ongoing aerial surveillance of Kharg Island. As a result, the army experienced natural and environmental changes throughout the island.
Stavridis said past attacks had weakened some of Hager’s air and sea defense capabilities, including HAWK surface-to-air missiles and Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns.
Gulf allies fight back
Gulf allies have privately asked President Trump not to deploy U.S. troops on the ground to occupy the island or to attempt to destroy Iran’s highly enriched uranium, which was previously believed to have been bombed by U.S. aircraft, CNN reported, citing senior Gulf officials. They fear that doing so could result in massive casualties and lead to a strong Iranian response against the Gulf states.
In fact, Gulf officials instead pressured the United States to dismantle Tehran’s ballistic missile program before the end of the war.
In recent days, the Pentagon has briefed officials in the region on U.S. success in destroying Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles. The United States is said to be close to completing its target list, but has not yet given a specific timetable.
Stavridis said considering a naval blockade of Haqq would be a way to put pressure on the Iranians. This will result in oil being unable to be exported.
“This can be done without actually sending troops ashore,” he said.
