Why does the US have Iran’s Kharg Island in its sights?

Donald Trump, the US president, has hinted at potential military moves against a strategic island near Iran, which hosts a key oil terminal. During a Sunday conversation with the Financial Times, he outlined plans to disrupt Iran’s energy infrastructure, suggesting the island could be seized to pressure the country into keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. However, Trump emphasized that such an operation would require a prolonged US presence on the island.

On 13 March, Trump stated that US forces had “totally obliterated” all military targets on Kharg Island, yet avoided striking its oil facilities. Earlier this month, Axios reported that Pentagon officials were exploring options to occupy or block the island, aiming to influence Iran’s actions in the vital shipping channel. Analysts have long speculated about US intentions to claim the island, which could sever Iran’s oil exports and establish a foothold for attacks on the mainland.

Kharg Island, a small rocky outcrop just 15 nautical miles from Iran’s coast, is central to the nation’s energy supply. Ninety percent of its crude oil exits via a terminal on the island, transported through pipelines from the mainland. Trump has targeted these pipelines but delayed strikes to prevent long-term economic harm to Iran. “We can do that on five minutes’ notice,” he claimed on 16 March. “It’ll be over. Just one simple word, and the pipes will be gone too.”

Iran has fortified its defenses on Kharg Island in response to the threat. Additional military personnel and air defenses have been deployed, with shoulder-fired missiles and anti-personnel mines laid in surrounding waters, according to US intelligence sources. The island’s strategic location allows large tankers to access its jetties, then navigate through the Strait of Hormuz to China, Iran’s primary oil buyer. This makes the island a critical link in the country’s economic chain.

Speculation and Strategic Implications

Analysts note that seizing Kharg Island would cripple Iran’s oil exports, targeting its economic lifeline. “Taking the island would effectively cut off the IRGC’s economic lifeline,” said Mikey Kay, a BBC security analyst. The operation could also serve as a leverage point to compel Iran into maintaining open shipping lanes, according to Aaron Maclean, host of the School of War podcast. “The plan is likely to seize the island and use it as a bargaining chip,” Maclean added.

“Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t. We have a lot of options.” – Donald Trump

“It would also mean we had to be there [in Kharg Island] for a while… I don’t think they have any defence. We could take it very easily.” – Donald Trump

Recent troop movements have fueled speculation. US Central Command confirmed that 3,500 sailors and marines arrived in the Middle East, part of a unit led by the USS Tripoli. While Pentagon officials remain tight-lipped about specific plans, they have acknowledged the feasibility of an operation. Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that forces would “rain fire” on any US troops entering the territory, adding to the tension in the region.