According to CNN on 25/3, citing sources close to US intelligence, Iran has deployed multi-layered defenses and moved additional shoulder-fired air defense missiles to Kharg Island in recent weeks. Iranian forces have also laid anti-personnel and anti-tank mines around the island, particularly in coastal areas where US forces might attempt a landing.
A source disclosed that US Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, is conducting continuous aerial reconnaissance near Kharg Island and may have detected terrain changes in the area.
Iranian officials have not commented, while CENTCOM declined to address the information.
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Location of Kharg Island. *Graphic: CNBC* |
These developments occur as the US is reportedly considering plans to occupy or blockade Kharg Island, aiming to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Kharg Island is situated in the Persian Gulf, about 25 km off the Iranian coast and over 480 km from the Strait of Hormuz. The island is 6 km long and covers an area of 20 km2. Facilities on Kharg have a processing capacity of 7 million barrels of oil per day, handling approximately 90% of Iran's crude oil exports, much of which is sold to Asian countries, particularly China.
Given its economy's significant reliance on energy exports, Kharg is considered Iran's 'oil lifeline' and a vital link.
US forces carried out airstrikes on Kharg Island on 13/3, targeting approximately 90 military objectives, including naval mine storage facilities, missile bunkers, and other installations. President Donald Trump later stated that the US avoided striking oil infrastructure on the island.
James Stavridis, former supreme allied commander of NATO, assessed that the airstrikes weakened air and coastal defense capabilities on Kharg Island, destroying some of Iran's HAWK missile systems and Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns.
Experts believe that a ground invasion of Kharg Island would represent a significant escalation, requiring a large-scale, prolonged operation with numerous risks and the potential for severe consequences, including domestically within the US.
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Kharg Island in a satellite image taken on 26/2. *Photo: AP* |
The island's proximity, about 32 km from the mainland, makes any US forces stationed there vulnerable to various Iranian attacks. Additionally, US amphibious assault ships would encounter difficulties navigating the Strait of Hormuz to reach Kharg Island.
While a naval blockade of Kharg Island might be easier to implement in the short term, it also carries the risk of US warships being attacked by Iranian suicide boats, anti-ship cruise missiles, and other asymmetric weapons.
Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, CNN)
