Kharg island

Donald Trump is weighing an audacious military gamble in the Middle East. The US president is reportedly considering a risky ground offensive aimed at smashing Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — a choke point that has rattled the global economy and sent oil prices surging.

Under the potential plan, US forces could occupy or blockade Iran’s Kharg island. The small but vital island sits just 15 miles off Iran’s mainland and processes around 90 per cent of the country’s crude oil exports.

The idea is simple but explosive. Seize or neutralise Kharg Island, ramp up pressure on Tehran, and force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to the world’s oil tankers.

The blockade has already caused market shockwaves. Oil and gas prices spiked sharply before easing slightly on Friday, with Brent crude dropping to $108 a barrel after painful rises the previous day.

The surge in prices has been linked directly to Tehran’s refusal to allow oil tankers to pass through the strait. That narrow shipping lane is one of the world’s most critical energy routes.

But the plan carries enormous risks. A ground operation would put US troops directly in harm’s way against Iranian forces positioned around the Strait. Because of that danger, the move is unlikely to be ordered immediately. Military planners reportedly believe more time is needed to weaken Iran’s capabilities first.

“We need about a month to weaken the Iranians more with strikes, take the island and then get them by the balls and use it for negotiations,” one source told Axios.

An official from the Trump administration confirmed the president’s focus on reopening the strait. “He wants Hormuz open,” the official said. The same source made clear that military escalation remains on the table. If taking Kharg Island becomes necessary, they said, “that’s going to happen.”

A coastal invasion is also being discussed as a possibility. But insiders stressed that Trump has not yet made a final decision.

Meanwhile, the president has been venting fury at Western allies over what he sees as their reluctance to help. In a series of posts on Truth Social and remarks to reporters, he blasted NATO members for failing to step in.

“Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!” Trump wrote in one fiery online outburst. He accused allies of refusing to help stop what he called a nuclear-powered Iran.

Now, he said, those same countries are complaining about soaring oil prices while failing to assist in reopening the Strait.

“So easy for them to do, with so little risk COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!” Trump added.

His criticism came despite earlier comments in which he said the United States did not need help from anyone. At the time, he slammed NATO for what he called its “foolish mistake” in failing to support America.

European leaders have pushed back firmly. A spokesperson for German chancellor Friedrich Merz insisted the conflict was not NATO’s responsibility. “It is not Nato’s war,” the spokesperson said. They added that the US had not consulted allies before the conflict began.

The spokesperson stressed that NATO exists to defend the alliance area. For that reason, they said, the situation was not a matter for NATO or the German government.

Britain has also tried to avoid deeper involvement. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned earlier this week that the UK “will not be drawn into the wider war.”

But tensions rose further after Iran issued a warning on Friday. Tehran said allowing US forces to use British bases for strikes would count as “participating in aggression.” Iran warned it would reserve the right to respond. That warning has raised fears the conflict could widen.

Downing Street quickly defended Britain’s position. Officials insisted the government remains committed to avoiding a broader war.

The prime minister’s spokesperson said the UK had not taken part in the initial strikes. “We’re not getting drawn into the wider war,” they said. However, Britain has allowed the US to use certain bases for limited operations. These include RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

According to officials, those missions are strictly “limited and defensive.” They are aimed at targeting Iranian missile capabilities while attempting to contain the escalating crisis.

For now, the world waits. If Trump chooses to move on Kharg Island, the Strait of Hormuz crisis could enter an even more dangerous phase.

Trump 'considers risky ground offensive to free Strait of Hormuz'

There is an easier solution - remove Trump from power, withdraw US forces from the region, halt all support for Israel, and apologize for Trump's insanity.

11 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

There is an easier solution - remove Trump from power, withdraw US forces from the region, halt all support for Israel, and apologize for Trump's insanity.

The SOB can't live forever and, once he's gone, the madness that's grabbed 10's of millions of his sycophants will dissipate. I'm wondering how many years it will take to wash the stink off. The Germans have had a similar stench since WW II that still hasn't completely gone away.

16 hours ago, HappyExpat57 said:

The SOB can't live forever and, once he's gone, the madness that's grabbed 10's of millions of his sycophants will dissipate. I'm wondering how many years it will take to wash the stink off. The Germans have had a similar stench since WW II that still hasn't completely gone away.

Trump Dynasty is the next really big show. First, Junior (name recognition) 8 yrs; then Eric 8 yrs; then Ivanka (the first woman president and first Jew; Kushner will look good as First Husband!) 8 yrs; by then Barron will be old enough. That's 32 more years of Heritage Foundation. You underestimate how stupid American voters are--maybe all voters everywhere. No monopoly on stupidity.

2 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Trump Dynasty is the next really big show. First, Junior (name recognition) 8 yrs; then Eric 8 yrs; then Ivanka (the first woman president and first Jew; Kushner will look good as First Husband!) 8 yrs; by then Barron will be old enough. That's 32 more years of Heritage Foundation. You underestimate how stupid American voters are--maybe all voters everywhere. No monopoly on stupidity.

The UK has never elected a leader as stupid as Trump.

Liz Truss came close but then she didn't become a leader through a general election.

Fortunately a lettuce outlasted her.

Thrump has already been invited and the goose is already cooked.

Iran is waiting for the guest.

Be like "Erin Patterson" and the Beef Wellington.

On 3/21/2026 at 1:50 AM, bannork said:

The US president is reportedly considering a risky ground offensive aimed at smashing Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — a choke point that has rattled the global economy and sent oil prices surging.

He's not considering it. He has decided. Thousands of Marines are currently in transit to the area. As soon as they get there, the invasion will begin.

What an embarrassing time to be American!

7 hours ago, gargamon said:

He's not considering it. He has decided. Thousands of Marines are currently in transit to the area. As soon as they get there, the invasion will begin.

Pretty funny that he must really think he that American hero in countless movies.

11 hours ago, gargamon said:

He's not considering it. He has decided. Thousands of Marines are currently in transit to the area. As soon as they get there, the invasion will begin.

That would suggest he simply can't make up his mind and doesn't know what to do.....let's face it, he's no Churchill

On 3/21/2026 at 7:58 AM, HappyExpat57 said:

The SOB can't live forever and, once he's gone, the madness that's grabbed 10's of millions of his sycophants will dissipate. I'm wondering how many years it will take to wash the stink off. The Germans have had a similar stench since WW II that still hasn't completely gone away.

One stinks of oil, the other gas !

Trump eyes dramatic move to break Iran’s Hormuz blockade.....fool around, find out.

11 hours ago, kwilco said:

What an embarrassing time to be American!

77 million Americans voted for him knowing full well what they would get. So Trump is not the only one to blame. The problem is unfortunately much bigger.

3 hours ago, K2938 said:

77 million Americans voted for him knowing full well what they would get. So Trump is not the only one to blame. The problem is unfortunately much bigger.

" knowing full well what they would get" - I would suggest they had.have no idea and wouldn't recognise it even if they "got it" - we're looking at a bad case of collective narcissism.

On 3/21/2026 at 3:50 AM, bannork said:

Kharg island

Donald Trump is weighing an audacious military gamble in the Middle East. The US president is reportedly considering a risky ground offensive aimed at smashing Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — a choke point that has rattled the global economy and sent oil prices surging.

Under the potential plan, US forces could occupy or blockade Iran’s Kharg island. The small but vital island sits just 15 miles off Iran’s mainland and processes around 90 per cent of the country’s crude oil exports.

The idea is simple but explosive. Seize or neutralise Kharg Island, ramp up pressure on Tehran, and force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to the world’s oil tankers.

The blockade has already caused market shockwaves. Oil and gas prices spiked sharply before easing slightly on Friday, with Brent crude dropping to $108 a barrel after painful rises the previous day.

The surge in prices has been linked directly to Tehran’s refusal to allow oil tankers to pass through the strait. That narrow shipping lane is one of the world’s most critical energy routes.

But the plan carries enormous risks. A ground operation would put US troops directly in harm’s way against Iranian forces positioned around the Strait. Because of that danger, the move is unlikely to be ordered immediately. Military planners reportedly believe more time is needed to weaken Iran’s capabilities first.

“We need about a month to weaken the Iranians more with strikes, take the island and then get them by the balls and use it for negotiations,” one source told Axios.

An official from the Trump administration confirmed the president’s focus on reopening the strait. “He wants Hormuz open,” the official said. The same source made clear that military escalation remains on the table. If taking Kharg Island becomes necessary, they said, “that’s going to happen.”

A coastal invasion is also being discussed as a possibility. But insiders stressed that Trump has not yet made a final decision.

Meanwhile, the president has been venting fury at Western allies over what he sees as their reluctance to help. In a series of posts on Truth Social and remarks to reporters, he blasted NATO members for failing to step in.

“Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!” Trump wrote in one fiery online outburst. He accused allies of refusing to help stop what he called a nuclear-powered Iran.

Now, he said, those same countries are complaining about soaring oil prices while failing to assist in reopening the Strait.

“So easy for them to do, with so little risk COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!” Trump added.

His criticism came despite earlier comments in which he said the United States did not need help from anyone. At the time, he slammed NATO for what he called its “foolish mistake” in failing to support America.

European leaders have pushed back firmly. A spokesperson for German chancellor Friedrich Merz insisted the conflict was not NATO’s responsibility. “It is not Nato’s war,” the spokesperson said. They added that the US had not consulted allies before the conflict began.

The spokesperson stressed that NATO exists to defend the alliance area. For that reason, they said, the situation was not a matter for NATO or the German government.

Britain has also tried to avoid deeper involvement. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned earlier this week that the UK “will not be drawn into the wider war.”

But tensions rose further after Iran issued a warning on Friday. Tehran said allowing US forces to use British bases for strikes would count as “participating in aggression.” Iran warned it would reserve the right to respond. That warning has raised fears the conflict could widen.

Downing Street quickly defended Britain’s position. Officials insisted the government remains committed to avoiding a broader war.

The prime minister’s spokesperson said the UK had not taken part in the initial strikes. “We’re not getting drawn into the wider war,” they said. However, Britain has allowed the US to use certain bases for limited operations. These include RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

According to officials, those missions are strictly “limited and defensive.” They are aimed at targeting Iranian missile capabilities while attempting to contain the escalating crisis.

For now, the world waits. If Trump chooses to move on Kharg Island, the Strait of Hormuz crisis could enter an even more dangerous phase.

Trump 'considers risky ground offensive to free Strait of Hormuz'

He's right about NATO. No US no NATO.

And likely the end of Europe as we know it.

Stop cheering you anti US/ Trump clowns.

Unless you really want Sharia law for you wives and daughters.

Because that is the most likely outcome.

33 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

He's right about NATO. No US no NATO.

And likely the end of Europe as we know it.

Stop cheering you anti US/ Trump clowns.

Unless you really want Sharia law for you wives and daughters.

Because that is the most likely outcome.

NATO is a defensive organisation, not a military offensive pact. Trump illegally attacked Iran after Israel did the same. He never consulted his NATO allies

The idiot didn't consider the Iran regime would close the Strait or attack the Gulf states.

He said he was surprised they did this. Why was he surprised? Didn't he have advisors who would tell him the possible consequences of his actions?

And now the fool threatens to destroy Iranian infrastructure if they don't open the Strait. Another war crime.

He promised to help the Iranian people and now he threatens to destroy their electricity and water supplies.

What an utter imbecile.

Thank you for your opinion.

4 minutes ago, bannork said:

The idiot didn't consider the Iran regime would close the Strait or attack the Gulf states.

He said he was surprised they did this. Why was he surprised? Didn't he have advisors who would tell him the possible consequences of his actions?

He probably doesn't read AN, because everyone here predicted it would happen

1 minute ago, emptypockets said:

Thank you for your opinion.

Do the world a favour. Don a white coat, take a taxi to the golf course where Trump is skiving instead of working during a war, truss him in a straitjacket and toss him in a locked padded cell in Florida's asylum for incorrigible malignant narcissists.

2 minutes ago, bannork said:

Do the world a favour. Don a white coat, take a taxi to the golf course where Trump is skiving instead of working during a war, truss him in a straitjacket and toss him in a locked padded cell in Florida's asylum for incorrigible malignant narcissists.

Sorry, I don't play golf.

How about you do it, keyboard warrior/ traitor?

1 minute ago, emptypockets said:

Sorry, I don't play golf.

How about you do it, keyboard warrior/ traitor?

I don't live in a country run by a madman.

I get the MAGAZionists they wanted their free lunch - but for the rest of them as they pay nearly$5 dollar diesel, their food is up , healthcare zapped and all the rest what did they expect ? Israel First - bought lock stock and barrel.

IMO putting boots on the ground on Kharg Island alone would be a huge mistake. The island is easily within the range of shore-based artillery, and the US airforce would need to eliminate 7000 artillery units Iran officially has. Only one would be needed operational to kill a lot of Marines, they would be sitting ducks.

10 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

Sorry, I don't play golf.

Neither does Trump. He cheats. Every real golfer knows he is a stain on the game.

9 minutes ago, bannork said:

I don't live in a country run by a madman.

Not do I. I live in a country run by pussies. Now paying close to 3 dollars AUD a litre for diesel. We would love a Trump style politician to run the country. No more chest feeding BS.

2 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Neither does Trump. He cheats. Every real golfer knows he is a stain on the game.

Again I said I don't play golf. I'm not old enough!!

2 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

Not do I. I live in a country run by pussies. Now paying close to 3 dollars AUD a litre for diesel. We would love a Trump style politician to run the country. No more chest feeding BS.

Trump's a great pussy. Five deferments to avoid Vietnam. Ouch! How those bone spurs hurt.

1 minute ago, bannork said:

Trump's a great pussy. Five deferments to avoid Vietnam. Ouch! How those bone spurs hurt.

But he's still alive and been elected to the position of President of the USA...??? Twice.

What a loser.

What have you achieved?

Travelled to Thailand and become a bar tool commentater

6 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

What have you achieved?

Travelled to Thailand and become a bar tool commentater

Sounds that you weren't even able to achieve travelling to Thailand, since you posted in another thread that you are in Oz.

Just now, CallumWK said:

Sounds that you weren't even able to achieve travelling to Thailand, since you posted in another thread that you are in Oz.

Been to Thailand dozens of times with my wife to visit her family. Is there a point to your post?