politics
March 25, 2026
Pentagon considering sending US airborne troops to seize Iran’s key oil hub on Kharg island
Senior US military officials are looking into the possibility of deploying airborne troops to capture Iran’s key oil hub on Kharg island, the NYT has reported
TL;DR
- US military officials are exploring the deployment of airborne troops to capture Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export hub.
- The island accounts for 90% of Iran's crude oil exports and is located near the Persian coast.
- Two main troop deployment options are being considered: 3,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne or 2,500 troops from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
- Iran has threatened to retaliate by setting oil and gas facilities on fire and mining the Strait of Hormuz.
- While the plan is described as prudent planning, no orders have been given.
- A former counterterrorism official warns that such an operation would be a disaster and could provide Iran with hostages.
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