U.S. Weighs Seizing Iran’s Kharg Island as Marine Deployment Looms

As gas prices continue to climb, the Biden administration is considering a move that could dramatically escalate tensions with Iran: seizing Kharg Island, the nation’s critical oil export hub. The potential operation comes as approximately 2,200 U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, stationed on Okinawa, Japan, are en route to the Middle East aboard the USS Tripoli, expected to arrive in the Gulf region in the coming days .

Strategic Importance of Kharg Island

Kharg Island, a small, rocky island located approximately 15 miles off the Iranian coast, serves as the departure point for roughly 90% of Iran’s oil exports . Control of the island would give the U.S. Significant leverage over Iran’s economy, which relies heavily on oil revenue. However, it also carries substantial risks.

Military Considerations

The USS Tripoli, a 850-foot long amphibious assault ship, is capable of carrying F-35 fighter jets, MH-60S Seahawk helicopters, and MV-22 Osprey aircraft. A potential amphibious assault on Kharg Island would likely be supported by U.S. Navy destroyers providing anti-missile and anti-drone coverage, as well as U.S. Air Force planes and Army Apache helicopters .

However, Kharg Island is within range of Iranian missiles and drones, posing a significant threat to U.S. Forces stationed there. Military analysts warn that any operation to secure the island, or open the Strait of Hormuz, would be a major combat operation with potential for U.S. Casualties .

Strait of Hormuz and Iranian Threats

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transport zone, is a key factor in the escalating tensions. In 2024, approximately 20 million barrels of oil per day – about 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption – transited the strait . Iran has threatened to strike any ship traveling through the strait that isn’t carrying Iranian oil, with limited exceptions. The U.S. Has offered to escort ships through the strait, but other NATO allies have so far declined to participate.

Recent U.S. Actions

On March 13th, U.S. Central Command conducted bombing raids on more than 90 targets on Kharg Island, described by President Trump as “one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East” . While Trump stated that oil infrastructure was left untouched, he threatened to strike those assets if Iran continues to interfere with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Potential Consequences

Seizing Kharg Island could provide the U.S. With negotiating leverage, but it also risks further escalating the conflict with Iran and potentially disrupting global oil supplies. Senator Lindsey Graham has suggested that Kharg Island represents a single target that could dramatically alter the outcome of the conflict .