US Weighs Island Seizures in Hormuz Strait to Reopen Key Oil Route

U.S. Explores Island Seizures in Hormuz Strait to Restore Maritime Flow

In response to escalating global fuel prices, significant attention is being directed towards effective solutions to ensure the continued flow of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for a substantial portion of global oil supplies. Recently, strategic options have emerged that the United States, in coordination with its allies, may consider to reopen the strait for international trade, particularly given the perceived escalation of Iranian threats.

The Role of the U.S. Marine Corps in Proposed Strategy

According to media reports, the U.S. Department of Defense is meticulously studying ways to enhance the role of the Marine Corps in addressing the current crisis. A cornerstone of this consideration involves the deployment of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), a specialized rapid response force consisting of approximately 2,200 personnel. This unit, operating from the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli as its mobile base, is anticipated to reach the Middle East region in the near future. The objective behind this potential deployment is to provide the U.S. administration with additional tactical and diplomatic options to exert pressure on Tehran. A prominent scenario involves the possibility of utilizing this unit to gain control over one or more Iranian islands situated along the southern coast of the strait. Such control could serve as leverage in negotiations or as an advanced operating base to respond to any attacks Iran might launch against commercial shipping.

Structure and Capabilities of Marine Expeditionary Units

A Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is considered a self-contained force capable of independent operations, utilizing warships as its mobile platform. This structure comprises four key elements ensuring operational efficiency:

• Ground Combat Element: Consists of infantry units supported by armored vehicles and artillery, forming the backbone of ground operations.
• Aviation Combat Element: Includes formations of advanced aircraft such as the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, capable of vertical takeoff and landing, as well as fighter jets like the F-35B, providing effective air cover and fire support.
• Command Element: Oversees the coordination of all operations and the formulation of strategic and tactical plans.
• Logistics Combat Element: Provides essential supplies, equipment maintenance, and necessary support to ensure the continuity of operations.

These forces are distinguished by their high capability in executing surprise land and air assault operations, making them an effective tool in geopolitical contexts.

Strait of Hormuz Under De Facto Blockade: Economic and Political Ramifications

The attacks targeting commercial vessels have effectively imposed a de facto blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that plays a pivotal role in global oil transportation, with approximately 20% of the world's total oil exports passing through it. This situation has not only impacted global markets but has also presented significant economic and political challenges for the U.S. administration. In an effort to counter this threat, the United States is seeking to neutralize Iran's capability to threaten this strategic waterway by targeting missile launch sites, drones, and naval mine depots. Reports indicate that U.S. Central Command has conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian coastal facilities used for storing anti-ship cruise missiles. Despite extensive aerial campaigns by U.S. and allied forces, Iran continues to target U.S. forces and allies in the region. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness of completely destroying Iran's military capabilities and underscores the need for multifaceted strategies.

Seizing Iranian Islands: A Strategic Pressure Tactic

Iran controls several small islands off its southern coast, which the government utilizes for installing oil platforms, harboring missiles, and concealing vessels in coastal caves. Among these islands, Kharg Island stands out as a major economic center, serving as the primary port for Iranian oil exports and located in the northern part of the Persian Gulf, approximately 300 miles from the strait. President Trump has recently threatened to strike oil pipelines on this island, and U.S. forces have previously targeted vital military installations there. Experts and former officials suggest that the strategic alternative may not lie in destroying the oil infrastructure of Kharg Island, but rather in seizing it. Such a seizure could provide the United States with strong leverage in negotiations for restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, without inflicting permanent damage on the global economy. It is noted that these seizure operations could be conducted by sea, with the USS Tripoli launching landing craft loaded with troops and equipment, or by air, using F-35B aircraft and helicopters that do not require runways, provided that necessary flight and deployment clearances are obtained.

Potential Strategic Targets: Key Islands in the Strait of Hormuz

The strategy may not be limited to Kharg Island but could extend to controlling other islands within the Strait of Hormuz, with the aim of disrupting fast attack craft routes used by Iran and intercepting any missiles that pose a threat to navigation. Among these islands, Qeshm Island emerges as a significant strategic target. It is a large island located at the entrance of the strait, used by Iran to conceal warships and missiles in underground tunnels. It also houses a large desalination plant. The island's size and geographical location enable Iran to control vessel traffic in and out of the strait. Additionally, operations could include seizing Kish Island, a smaller economic hub west of Qeshm, or Hormuz Island, a rocky island east of Qeshm used by Iran for mooring small attack boats.

Avoiding Ground Troop Deployment into Iranian Territory

Deploying Marines to Iranian offshore islands, rather than an incursion into Iranian territory, could represent a political breakthrough, allowing President Trump to uphold his promise of not sending ground troops into Iran. This strategy offers a clear tactical advantage while avoiding unwanted escalation. Former officials emphasize that the most likely objective for such operations would be the islands surrounding Iran in the Persian Gulf, which could provide swift tactical benefits without necessitating direct confrontation on the continental mainland.