U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified calls for international allies to deploy naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz, the critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, amid escalating disruptions caused by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
President Trump is also considering seizing Kharg Island, which handles about 90% of Iran’s crude exports, if the Strait of Hormuz blockade continues, reports Axios.
U.S. officials say capturing the island could deliver “an economic knockout of the regime.” The plan would require U.S. boots on the ground and a military occupation of the island. Officials warn it carries major risks, including Iranian retaliation against Gulf oil facilities and pipelines, especially in Saudi Arabia.
One official said “there are big risks, there are big rewards.”
At a meeting in the Oval Office, Trump pressed General Caine on why the United States could not immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Caine explained that controlling the strait is extremely difficult because Iran can disrupt shipping with small, mobile forces rather than large naval assets.
Hellbound and Down 