Trump is considering deploying ground troops to seize Iran's Kharg Island

ZkProver · 2026-03-16T04:35:10+00:00

Trump Plans to Form Multinational Coalition to Reopen Strait of Hormuz, Considers Seizing Iran's Strategic Kharg Island, Potentially Requiring U.S. Military Involvement. Despite Iran's blockade of Persian Gulf tankers, the United States is negotiating with multiple countries to advance the "Hormuz Alliance," but no country has publicly committed to participation so far. This move could deliver an economic blow to Iran's regime, but also carries the risk of triggering retaliation.

ZkProver

2026-03-16 04:35:10

Abstract generation in progress

ChainCatcher reports that, according to Axios, Trump is seeking to form a multilateral alliance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and plans to announce this later this week. Four sources revealed that if the blockage of Persian Gulf oil tankers continues, Trump is also considering seizing Iran’s key oil transfer station, Hark Island, which would require U.S. ground forces.

Iran is currently blocking oil exports from Gulf countries but allowing oil tankers carrying Iranian crude to pass freely. On Saturday, Trump stated on Truth Social that the U.S. and multiple countries would send warships to the Persian Gulf and called on China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK to participate. On Sunday, he said aboard Air Force One that the U.S. is negotiating with seven countries, some of which have refused to join.

The White House calls the plan the “Hormuz Alliance.” No countries have publicly committed to join yet, but senior officials expect some to announce support this week. Trump also spoke with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday about the plan, warning that if NATO allies do not respond, it could negatively impact NATO’s future.

Regarding Hark Island, located about 15 miles off the Iranian coast, it handles approximately 90% of Iran’s oil exports. Trump ordered strikes on military facilities on the island on Friday but did not target oil infrastructure. U.S. officials say seizing the island would be an economic blow to the Iranian regime but could also provoke Iranian retaliatory attacks on Gulf oil facilities.

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