Iran has strengthened military defenses on Kharg Island amid concerns in Tehran that the United States could attempt to seize the strategic oil hub, according to people familiar with US intelligence assessments.
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Recent intelligence reports indicate Iranian forces have deployed additional personnel and expanded defensive measures on the island. Preparations include placing traps and laying mines in areas where US troops might attempt an amphibious landing.
The developments come as the administration of Donald Trump considers the possibility of sending ground forces to take control of the island. Officials see the move as potential leverage to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime corridor for global energy shipments.
Kharg Island handles about 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil exports, making it one of the country’s most important economic assets.
Iran reinforces island defenses
According to intelligence sources, Iranian forces have deployed additional shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile systems, known as MANPADs, to strengthen the island’s air defenses.
Iran has also laid anti-personnel and anti-armor mines in several areas, including sections of coastline where US forces might attempt to land.
Military planners say these layered defenses could pose significant risks if the United States attempted to capture the island.
United States Central Command declined to comment on Iranian activities there.
The US military has already conducted strikes against targets on the island. On March 13, Central Command said forces hit roughly 90 targets, including naval mine storage sites, missile bunkers and other military facilities. Trump said at the time that US forces avoided striking oil infrastructure.
Despite those attacks, analysts say Iranian defenses still pose a threat.
Concerns over potential US operation
Military experts warn that a ground operation could expose US troops to missile, drone and small-arms attacks given the island’s proximity to the Iranian mainland.
Retired Admiral James Stavridis said Iranian forces would likely attempt to inflict heavy casualties if US troops landed on the island.
“The Iranians will do everything they can to inflict maximum casualties on US forces,” he said.
Iranian officials have also warned against any attempt to occupy the country’s territory.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran was monitoring US troop movements in the region and warned that attacks on Iranian territory could trigger strikes on infrastructure in other countries.
Kharg Island is located near the northern end of the Persian Gulf and is roughly one-third the size of Manhattan. Its strategic importance stems from its role as the main terminal for Iranian oil exports.
US troop deployments and regional concerns
US forces have increased their presence in the region as the conflict escalates. Two Marine Expeditionary Units, capable of rapid amphibious operations, have recently been deployed to the Middle East.
The units include thousands of Marines along with amphibious ships, aircraft and landing craft that could support a potential landing operation.
In addition, about 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division are expected to deploy to the region.
Regional partners in the Gulf have privately urged Washington to avoid sending ground forces to occupy the island, warning such a move could trigger retaliation against regional infrastructure and prolong the conflict.
Some analysts say the United States could instead consider an offshore blockade of Kharg Island to disrupt Iran’s oil exports without deploying troops.
Such a strategy, they argue, could apply economic pressure on Tehran while avoiding the risks associated with a ground assault.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 26 March 2026