Trump Won’t Rule Out Seizing Kharg Island: What a U.S. Assault Could Look Like
Iran’s Kharg Island, a small but strategically vital island that handles roughly 90% of the country’s crude oil exports, has become a central focus of Washington’s economic pressure campaign against Tehran
Trump Won’t Rule Out Seizing Kharg Island: What a U.S. Assault Could Look Like
Iran’s Kharg Island, a small but strategically vital island that handles roughly 90% of the country’s crude oil exports, has become a central focus of Washington’s economic pressure campaign against Tehran.
Military experts envision that a potential U.S. operation would begin with hundreds of U.S. Marines storming ashore, while warships, fighter jets, and helicopters establish overwhelming air and sea superiority. Iranian forces would then be given a final warning to surrender or face a full-scale assault.
The issue returned to the spotlight on Tuesday after President Donald Trump declined to rule out the possibility of taking Kharg Island.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst on Special Report, Trump was asked directly whether he planned to seize the island. He responded:
“I can't say that to you because if I did, it would be foolish.”
Trump also said previous U.S. strikes deliberately avoided the island’s oil facilities because they are “a chunk of the world economy.”
Retired Vice Adm. Robert Harward, former deputy commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), told Fox News Digital:
“There are a lot of ways to skin this cat.”
