Amid rising tensions middle EastAsked whether the United States could deploy troops to Iran’s Khargah island, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant said “all options are on the table.”
Bessant’s comments come as the United States steps up military operations against Iran after weeks of attacks and retaliatory strikes. He did not confirm any decision but said a ground deployment could still be under consideration.
In a “Truth Society” post, US President Donald Trump announced a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to destroy Tehran’s power plants if Iran did not take any action.
Read more: Trump after Kharg Island explosion: Iran wants deal, but ‘I won’t accept it’
‘All options’ foreshadows possible escalation on Kharg Island
kharg islandLocated in the Persian Gulf, it is Iran’s main oil export hub and handles a large portion of the country’s crude oil shipments.
According to the Guardian, in an effort to pressure Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the United States is reportedly considering preparing to invade or blockade Iran’s strategically important Khargah Island.
Despite Trump’s earlier assertion that he was not inclined to “go on a field trip,” there are signs that Washington is considering plans to occupy or blockade Kharg Island.
In an interview with NBC News, Bessant’s remarks about “all options on the table” did not confirm any current military activity on the island; however, his remarks signaled the U.S. position of retaining military options. “Sometimes you have to level up to downgrade,” he said.
He told Fox Business Channel that military equipment on the island has been destroyed and it remains to be seen whether the United States can ultimately take control of the island.
Bessant further backed Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum and said Iran would only respond to such communications.
Read more: US war secretary warns that strike against Iran will be ‘most violent yet’
What will the capture of Hag Island bring?
Khag Island is located at the northern end of the bay, 25 kilometers (16 miles) from the Iranian city of Bushehr. Its area is only 8 square miles (20 square kilometers).
According to the “Guardian” report, any attempt to actually occupy Kharg Island may bring significant dangers, because the US military there will be attacked by Iranian rockets and drones in a small area.
According to the same report, any attempt to control such an important strategic asset will almost certainly be met with resistance due to Iran’s heavy reliance on fossil fuel revenues.
Under the light, a White House “As President Trump has said, he has no plans to send troops anywhere — but he has wisely not broadcast his military strategy to the media, and he retains all options as commander in chief. U.S. forces could take Kharg Island at any time,” officials said.
