The island of Kharg is located in the northern Persian Gulf, 25 km from the Iranian coast and 200 km from Iraq or Kuwait. Despite its small size, it serves as Iran’s main oil terminal. Most of the country’s crude exports pass through a network of terminals, large reservoirs, and port facilities connected to the oil fields in the southwest.
It is an essential “economic center of gravity” for the system’s operation and a prime target for enemies of the Islamic Republic. During the 1980-1988 war, Iraqis attempted to bomb the island for years but failed to capture it or disrupt the traffic.
The strategic importance of Kharg has come back into focus as the United States and Israel have launched strikes against Iran to destroy its nuclear program and strike capabilities in the region or potentially overthrow its regime.
This escalation has triggered a campaign of missile and drone strikes spreading across the region and control of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz using various anti-access means that Iran possesses. It is a challenging war to sustain militarily, economically, and politically for both sides. This is where the idea of seizing Kharg as an accelerator of history comes in.
Fully destroying Kharg’s facilities would be a significant blow to Iran, but possibly too destabilizing. However, a seizure by American forces could contribute to choking off the enemy economically without committing to the country’s future, provide leverage for potential negotiations, and achieve a bold move.
Seizing the island would require neutralizing and possibly destroying its defenses through airstrikes, potentially using new methods such as helicopters and AH-64 and A-10 attack planes from Kuwait, with established air superiority. This neutralization phase could last for days or weeks before an assault, likely a nighttime helicopter assault.
Taking such a critical objective would begin with deploying an infantry battalion. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arriving with the amphibious group Tripoli is well-suited for this mission. Additionally, it could involve units like the Rangers, US Army air assault battalions, and more, likely based in Kuwait.
An assault group has a medium radius of 300 km. Therefore, the action departure point must be relatively close to Kharg, either from Kuwait for the US Army or a temporary base on the coast for the 31st MEU from the Gulf of Oman.
This operation could span several days, starting with establishing two assault waves and refueling at a temporary base. Each wave could involve hundreds of troops transported by helicopters and supported by aircraft such as F-35Bs for strikes.
The conquest phase, potentially lasting multiple days, would require setting up anti-drone and anti-ship defenses to withstand Iranian pressure. If the Americans accept the inherent risks, including losses, they are likely to seize Kharg, achieving their first major tactical success in the conflict.
