Iran fortifies key island amid fears of potential attack

In recent weeks, Iran has reinforced its military presence, air defenses, and mines on the strategic Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf, while the Donald Trump administration is reportedly considering a ground operation to seize it.

According to multiple sources familiar with U.S. intelligence reports, Iran is laying traps and deploying additional troops and air defense systems on Kharg Island ahead of a potential U.S. operation aimed at taking control of the area.

The island is a critical economic lifeline for Iran, handling roughly 90 percent of the country’s crude oil exports, and is located in the northeastern part of the Persian Gulf.

The Trump administration is reportedly considering using U.S. forces to capture the small island as a means of pressuring Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. officials and military experts warn that such a ground operation would carry significant risks, including a high number of American casualties, as the island has layered defenses and additional mobile surface-to-air systems that have been deployed in recent weeks.

Sources report that Iran is placing various types of mines—including anti-personnel and anti-armor—around the island, even along the coast where U.S. forces might attempt an amphibious landing if President Donald Trump decides to pursue a ground operation.

Some of Trump’s allies are questioning the need for such a move, noting that even a successful seizure of Kharg would not by itself resolve issues related to the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s influence over global energy markets.

The U.S. Central Command did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Iran’s actions on Kharg Island. The U.S. military already carried out strikes on the island on March 13, reportedly hitting 90 targets, including naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple other military locations, according to Central Command sources.

Retired Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander and now a military analyst, said he would be “extremely concerned” about a ground mission.

“The Iranians are smart and ruthless. They will do everything possible to inflict maximum losses on American forces, both at sea and especially if ground troops step onto their sovereign territory,” Stavridis said.