Overview
Senior U.S. officials are exploring an option to take control of or impose a blockade on Kharg Island in an effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to four sources familiar with the discussions. The report, which remains unconfirmed, rattled energy traders and prompted a swift market reaction tied to global oil flows.
Strategic importance of Kharg Island
Kharg Island sits about 15 miles offshore and serves as the terminal for roughly 90% of Iran's crude oil exports. Any direct military action against the island would represent a significant escalation in the standoff surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime chokepoint through which a substantial share of world oil supplies transits.
Operational prerequisites
Officials say the contemplated operation would not be attempted immediately. Sources indicate it would be launched only after an additional phase of U.S. military strikes aimed at degrading Iranian military assets near the strait. One source estimated that about one month of such strikes would be necessary before an attempt to seize the island might proceed.
Force requirements and posture
Carrying out an occupation or blockade of Kharg would require forces beyond the three Marine units already reported to be en route to the region. A U.S. official told reporters that the White House and the Department of Defense are weighing further troop deployments to support the potential operation.
Administration stance
A senior administration official said the president wants the Strait of Hormuz reopened and is prepared to take Kharg Island or mount a coastal invasion if necessary. The official added that no final decision has been made.
Implications
The discussion of occupying or blockading an island that handles the majority of Iran's crude exports underscores the severity of options under consideration and the potential for heightened military and market disruption if those plans advance.