Trump mulls seizing Kharg Island

An assault to seize Iran’s critical oil export hub would be a high-risk, complex undertaking, raising the likelihood of U.S. casualties while prolonging the cost and duration of the war

PREPARING BATTLEFIELD
U.S. forces already struck military targets on Kharg Island on Mar 13. More attacks expected – 
possibly involving precision munitions against remaining defences

ASSAULT
Around 2,000 troops from 82nd Airborne Division could conduct night airborne assault to seize key positions, airfield, infrastructure

Ground force of around 2,200 troops from 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) could land by sea or by air from amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli using MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC) for making amphibious landings

USS Tripoli also has strong air-combat element of F-35B Lightning II fighter and MH-60S Seahawk helicopter

KHARG ISLAND
Around 90% of Iran's oil exports pass through it
U.S. strikes on Mar 13
0.6 miles
1km
Power plant
Kharg Airport
IRAN
SAUDI ARABIA
KUWAIT
IRAQ
OMAN
UAE
QATAR
BAHRAIN

Residential area: Island has around 8,000 inhabitants

F-35B Lightning II
MV-22B Osprey
60 miles
100km

Oil storage facility
Petrochemical complex
Natural gas facility
T harbour oil jetty
LPG & Sulphur loading terminal
Persian Gulf
Sea Island Terminal
Port
Strait of Hormuz
Kharg Island
Gulf of Oman
Persian Gulf

RISKS: Getting close to Kharg Island would require ships to pass through Strait of Hormuz, contending with Iranian mines, fast boats,
 drones, and shore-based anti-ship missiles

If U.S. troops capture island, holding position would be challenging, with resupply operations exposed to persistent enemy fire

Second Marine force: 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard USS Boxer (LHD-4)

USS TRIPOLI (LHA-7)
Ship purpose-built to maximise aviation capacity by having no well deck for launching watercraft
Military sites

Sources: CENTCOM, ISW, Naval News, TWZ, BBC, CNN, FT
Pictures: Apple Maps, U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz
© GRAPHIC NEWS