U.S. Media Claims U.S. Military May Seize Islands to Force Iran to Open the Strait of Hormuz

On March 19, Xinhua News Agency reported from Washington that the Wall Street Journal cited sources saying that the United States is increasing its troop presence in the Middle East and may seize key Iranian oil export hubs to force Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.

The report stated that approximately 2,200 personnel from the U.S. Marine Corps' 31st Expeditionary Unit are en route to the Middle East aboard an amphibious assault ship from Japan, expected to arrive in about a week. The U.S. may use this force to occupy Halke Island as leverage to compel Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.

Former commander of U.S. Central Command Frank McKenzie said, “(The U.S. military) can destroy its (Halke Island's) oil infrastructure, which would cause irreparable damage to Iran and the global economy. Alternatively, it can occupy it as a bargaining chip.”

In addition, islands near the Strait of Hormuz, such as Qeshm Island, Kish Island, and Hormuz Island, may also become targets for seizure. Retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral John Miller stated that the U.S. military would be in a “favorable strategic position” from which it could intercept Iranian fast boats and shoot down missiles threatening maritime traffic in the strait.

Halke Island is located in the northwestern part of the Persian Gulf, about 25 kilometers from the Iranian coast, measuring approximately 6 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide. It is Iran's largest crude oil export base, with 90% of Iran's crude oil exported from here. The U.S. military conducted strikes on military targets on the island on the 13th.