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How the US could try to seize Iran's Kharg Island

March 30, 2026

President Trump has suggested the possibility of sending US troops to capture Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export terminal that handles approximately 90% of the country's crude exports. Such an operation would likely involve around 7,000 American forces conducting amphibious and airborne assaults to temporarily seize the island, with the goal of pressuring Iran to relinquish control over the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane. However, the mission would face significant risks including Iranian defenses with missiles and drones, potential heavy casualties, and the challenge of maintaining occupation under constant bombardment from the mainland.

Who is affected

  • US military personnel (nearly 5,000 Marines and around 2,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division)
  • Iranian forces stationed on Kharg Island and the mainland
  • Iran's government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps
  • Global shipping industry and tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz
  • Vessels currently being forced to pay fees near Larak Island
  • UAE (regarding disputed island territories)
  • American citizens and Trump supporters concerned about foreign conflicts

What action is being taken

  • The US is dispatching troops to the region (nearly 5,000 Marines and around 2,000 paratroopers)
  • Iran is reportedly forcing tanker vessels to pay $2 million to cross near Larak Island
  • Iran has reinforced its defenses on Kharg Island with surface-to-air missile batteries
  • The US and Iran are in "serious discussions" that could "end military operations"

Why it matters

  • Kharg Island is strategically critical as it handles approximately 90% of Iran's oil exports, making it a potential pressure point to force Iranian compliance with US demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's busiest oil shipping lanes, giving Iran significant leverage over global energy supplies. Any US military operation would risk substantial American casualties, could lead to prolonged occupation unpopular domestically, and might not succeed given Iran's demonstrated resilience and defiance. The situation represents a major escalation point in US-Iran tensions with implications for global oil markets and regional stability.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article. The article indicates uncertainty about Trump's next move, noting ongoing discussions between the US and Iran while acknowledging a large gap between their positions that would need to be bridged for any potential deal.

Read full article from source: BBC