US accelerates preparations for ground operation in the Gulf

The Donald Trump administration is focusing on a new military option to establish security in the Strait of Hormuz due to rising fuel prices. As part of plans for an amphibious operation targeting Iran's islands in the strait, the Pentagon has moved to deploy approximately 5,000 marines to the region.

According to the plans, the USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship, which departed from Japan, and its attached 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit of 2,200 personnel will reach Middle Eastern waters in the coming days. With the addition of a second marine unit, the total force will be increased to 5,000. According to information obtained, the primary objective of these military units is to take control of Iran's islands in the Strait of Hormuz.

Officials state that this operation aims not only to keep the strait open but also to utilize the islands as a bargaining chip in potential negotiations in favor of the US. Furthermore, seizing the islands is intended to limit Iran's offensive capabilities in the region.

The units selected under Trump's directive are highly trained and experienced in sudden raids by sea and air. However, while these marines have been successful against irregular forces in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Venezuela to date, they will be facing a modern and prepared military power like Iran for the first time.

While the unit's equipment includes F-35B fighter jets and armored vehicles, operations can generally be conducted using landing craft launched from ships and helicopters that do not require runways. Nevertheless, the military power the US is projecting into the region will be tested against Iran's air defense systems, missile launchers, and armed unmanned aerial vehicles.

While Iran emphasizes that it is prepared in the event of a possible amphibious operation, US experts point out that such an operation could lead to heavy casualties.

STRATEGIC ISLANDS AND ENERGY SUPPLY

Among the first targets in the US plan, the heavily defended Qeshm Island and Hormuz Island stand out. These areas are protected by both underground tunnels and Iran's missile systems. Kish Island is also being shown as a potential target.

One of the most critical points is Kharg Island, from where 90 percent of Iranian oil is exported. Kharg also holds a strategic position in terms of controlling the Strait of Hormuz. Retired General Frank McKenzie assessed, "Kharg Island, 90 percent of their oil goes through there. So you really have two choices. You can destroy the oil infrastructure, which would cause irreversible damage to the Iranian economy and the global economy, or you can seize it to use as a bargaining chip so as not to permanently set back the world economy."

In the last week, threats have come from the US that military targets on the island have been struck and that oil facilities could be targeted. Experts, however, are of the opinion that turning this island into a US-controlled base would be a more effective move against Iran.

Retired Vice Admiral John Miller also stated, "Seizing the islands could also disable Iran's 'mosquito fleet' that lays mines and poses a threat to commercial vessels."

RISKS ARE HIGH, OPTIONS ARE NARROWING

Although the Trump administration is increasing military pressure, constant messages of preparation are coming from the Iranian front. Experts state that a possible ground operation could bring the region to the brink of a large-scale conflict and that the US could jeopardize global balances, especially energy markets.

While the military option is coming to the fore for the resolution of the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, the US's room for maneuver is narrowing day by day.

News Source: 12punto