March 26, 2026 | 10:01 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Iran has strengthened defenses on Kharg Island, a major oil-exporting island in the Persian Gulf, as the Trump administration considers a possible ground offensive to seize the territory, according to a report Wednesday.
Sources told CNN, as quoted by Anadolu Agency, that Tehran has deployed additional portable missile systems and planted mines along Kharg Island's coastline in recent weeks.
"Iran has also been laying traps including anti-personnel and anti-armor mines around the island," the sources told CNN.
Noting that the island processes nearly 90 percent of Iran's crude oil exports, the report suggests Washington may be planning to seize it to pressure Tehran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
CNN military analyst, retired Admiral James Stavridis, warned of the significant risks of a US ground operation and argued that "the Iranians are intelligent and ruthless."
He claimed that Iranian forces would do "everything they can to inflict as many casualties as possible" on American forces.
Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned on Wednesday that any attempt to occupy Iranian territory would be met with attacks on the infrastructure of any supporting country.
Kharg Island is located 30 kilometers off the Iranian coast in the Persian Gulf and is considered a hub for Iranian oil exports.
Israeli media previously reported that Trump might attempt to occupy Kharg Island, an Iranian oil export hub, if negotiations with Tehran fail.
"Trump strongly wants to end the war, and if that fails, he will seize the Kharg Island," Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported, citing an unnamed Israeli source, as reported by Anadolu Agency.
"Preparations for this scenario are also underway," the source added.
According to the daily, Israel is seeking to achieve as many of its military objectives as possible "to reduce Iran’s military production capabilities."
The US and Israel have been conducting airstrikes against Iran since February 28, killing more than 1,340 people to date, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf states hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage, as well as disrupting global markets and aviation.
Read: Israel Steps Up Attacks on Iran Ahead of Ceasefire
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