The Trump administration is exploring taking control of or blockading Iran’s Kharg Island to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that controls global oil shipping. The plan comes as President Trump struggles to find a solution to the ongoing conflict in the region.
A potential operation to take over Kharg Island could put US troops at risk and may not guarantee success in convincing Iran to make concessions on the issue. The plan is still in its early stages, with some officials expressing concerns about the risks involved.
The White House and Pentagon are considering deploying more troops to the region, including additional Marine units, to support the operation. However, no final decision has been made on the scale of reinforcements needed.
Some officials argue that taking control of Kharg Island is not necessary if the US can use naval escorts to secure tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Others believe that a ground invasion would be too costly and potentially riskless for the US.
The situation remains fluid, with some reports suggesting that additional military options are being considered. The ultimate goal of the US operation remains unclear, but it is clear that President Trump is determined to find a solution to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2026/03/20/iran-invasion-kharg-island-strait-hormuz