Iran building up defenses of Kharg Island to protect against potential US ground attack, sources tell CNN
Iran has been laying traps and moving more military personnel and air defenses to Kharg Island in recent weeks, preparing for a possible US operation to seize the island, multiple people familiar with US intelligence told CNN.
The Trump administration has considered using troops to take the island, a key economic lifeline handling about 90 percent of Iran’s crude exports, to pressure Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, CNN reported.
US officials and military experts warn of significant risks, including high casualties. The island has layered defenses, and Iran has added shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile systems known as MANPADs.
Iran has also placed anti-personnel and anti-armor mines around the island, including along the shoreline where US forces might attempt an amphibious landing if President Trump pursued the operation.
