REPORT: Trump Considering Deployment of THOUSANDS of Ground Troops Along Strait of Hormuz and Kharg Island
US forces in Iraq. Photo courtesy of the Nevada Office of Veterans Affairs.
President Trump is reportedly considering the possibility of deploying U.S. ground troops to Iran, potentially along the coast near the Strait of Hormuz or on Kharg Island, as the conflict in Iran nears the end of its third week.
The discussion comes amid calls from Senator Lindsey Graham for stronger military action targeting Kharg Island.
During an appearance on Fox News on Tuesday, Graham argued that Iran’s economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas revenue, claiming that roughly 90 percent of the country’s income comes from those resources and that the infrastructure responsible for generating that revenue is concentrated on a single island. Graham urged President Trump to seize Kharg Island, saying that doing so could effectively end the conflict. Trump has also indicated publicly that operations against Iran could expand.
Earlier this week, Trump warned that Iran could be “finished off” after some allies declined to assist with efforts related to the Strait of Hormuz. Later Wednesday evening, Trump stated that Israel had launched a major strike on Iran’s South Pars Gas Field, saying the attack occurred without prior knowledge from the United States.
Last Friday, Trump announced what he described as the most powerful bombing raids ever carried out in the Middle East, targeting Iran’s key oil hub on Kharg Island. The strikes came after Iran threatened commercial shipping and targeted vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a Reuters report citing four sources familiar with the planning, the administration has considered several military options that could involve thousands of U.S. ground troops. Possible objectives include securing the Strait of Hormuz, taking control of Iran’s oil-export infrastructure on Kharg Island, or containing Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. However, officials say a ground invasion does not appear to be imminent.
One administration official said no decision has been made to deploy troops but emphasized that President Trump is keeping every option available. The official added that the administration remains focused on achieving the goals of Operation Epic Fury, which include eliminating Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, destroying its naval forces, preventing regional destabilization by Iranian-backed groups, and ensuring Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.
Sources familiar with the discussions said that one possible mission would be to guarantee safe passage for oil tankers traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, primarily through air and naval operations. Still, securing the strategic waterway could also involve deploying U.S. forces along Iran’s shoreline.
Reuters reported that officials speaking about the military planning requested anonymity.
The administration has also examined the possibility of sending troops to Kharg Island, which handles about 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports. According to several people familiar with the discussions, including U.S. officials, such an operation would carry significant risks. Iran is capable of striking the island with missiles and drones.
U.S. forces previously conducted strikes against military targets on Kharg Island on March 13, and Trump has warned that Iran’s oil infrastructure could also be targeted. However, military analysts say that because the island is central to Iran’s economy, controlling it might be viewed as a more strategic option than destroying it outright.
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