The White House has said the United States could strike Iran’s Kharg Island at any time, following reports that Donald Trump is considering military options targeting the key oil hub.
According to Axios, the US administration is weighing plans to seize or blockade Kharg Island in a bid to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route that has been largely disrupted.
US media also report that additional Marines are being deployed to the Middle East, raising speculation about a possible ground operation as tensions escalate.
White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said the US military is fully prepared. “The United States Military can take out Kharg Island at any time if the President gives the order,” she said, adding that contingency plans are already in place.
She also accused Iran of attempting to restrict global energy movement, noting that US forces have already destroyed dozens of vessels allegedly used for laying mines.
The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has significantly affected global oil supply, pushing prices higher since the conflict began in late February.
Trump claimed US strikes had already “totally obliterated” military targets on Kharg Island and warned that further action could target critical infrastructure if Iran continues to block the waterway. He earlier described the island as largely unprotected, saying strikes had destroyed nearly everything apart from oil pipelines.
