Trump Plans Risky Operation to Seize Kharg Island’s Oil Hub in Persian Gulf

Filmogaz.com reports that President Donald Trump has dispatched thousands of US troops to the Middle East. The deployment keeps a ground option open for a risky operation to seize Kharg Island, a major oil hub in the Persian Gulf.

Recent moves and official signals

US officials say discussions about taking the island have occurred. A White House source said Mr. Trump has no immediate plans to send ground forces, but he keeps options open.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Pentagon must prepare to give the commander in chief optionality. Analysts note mixed public messages from the administration.

Why Kharg Island matters

Kharg handles roughly 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports. The terminal sits about 16 miles off Iran’s northern Gulf coast, near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian oil sales make up nearly 40 percent of the government budget. The island’s land area is smaller than London’s Westminster borough.

Strategic choke point

The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps now claims near-complete control of that waterway.

Shipping has largely stopped, and global supply chains have felt the strain. Oil prices spiked above $119 per barrel before easing.

Defenses, threats, and battlefield realities

US intelligence indicates Iran strengthened Kharg with surface-to-air missiles. Mines and other traps reportedly litter surrounding waters.

Former CENTCOM commander Joseph Votel estimated 800 to 1,000 troops could hold the island. He warned logistics and protection needs would expand any operation.

Risk of missiles and drones

Analysts expect Iranian missile and drone strikes against occupying forces. Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned of fierce resistance.

Gulf partners privately cautioned Washington that a ground assault could invite wider retaliation. They cited threats to energy and civilian infrastructure.

Possible outcomes and strategic costs

Seizing the oil hub could choke off Tehran’s revenue and give the US negotiating leverage. Some experts call it a tempting but dangerous bargaining chip.

Others warn occupation would likely prolong and expand the conflict. Damage to the terminal could cripple Iran’s economy for years.

Expert assessments

• Petras Katinas of RUSI said control of Kharg would hit Iran’s oil lifeline and strengthen bargaining power.
• Michael Rubin wrote that holding the island could deny regime revenues and influence post-conflict reconstruction.
• Tamas Varga warned that seizure would deprive Iran of crucial income but would expose occupying troops to attacks.
• Neil Quilliam of Chatham House said capture is unlikely but would unsettle markets and risk a prolonged standoff.
• Laura Blumenfeld of Johns Hopkins called the administration’s messaging a deliberate fog of war.

Historical context

Kharg has been a wartime target before. Saddam Hussein attacked the island in 1984 during the Iran-Iraq conflict.

President Trump has referenced Kharg previously, including remarks decades ago. The island remains a focal point in regional strategy.

The decision to seize or not to seize Kharg Island will shape sanctions, diplomacy, and military risk. Filmogaz.com will continue to monitor developments.