McKenzie Says U.S. Could Open Strait of Hormuz, Seize Kharg Island to Pressure Iran
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jul 12
McKenzie Says U.S. Could Open Strait of Hormuz, Seize Kharg Island to Pressure Iran
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jul 12
Summary
Frank McKenzie said the U.S. military could reopen and keep the Strait of Hormuz open, and could even seize Iran’s Kharg Island if President Donald Trump chose to escalate pressure.
Kharg Island figured in his argument because holding Iranian territory would strengthen future negotiations, while pushing warships into the strait’s narrow waters could restore freer navigation.
McKenzie said Tehran responds mainly to military force and is using talks to delay decisions on core issues including the strait, ballistic missiles and support for regional proxies.
Three missiles landed in Jordan overnight without casualties, he noted, and he warned more strikes on U.S. partners and bases are likely even if Iran’s attacks so far have been less robust than expected.
He framed the military options as leverage for a diplomatic deal rather than regime change, while cautioning any sustained confrontation would bring destroyed facilities and likely deaths.
With Iran's missile strategy still effective despite U.S. strikes, can military force alone secure American interests in the Strait of Hormuz?
Is seizing Iran's main oil port a viable strategy, or would it trigger a global economic crisis and an unwinnable war?
U.S.-Iran Conflict Erupts in July 2026: Kharg Island, Oil Exports, and the Threat of Global Recession
Overview
On July 15, 2026, the fragile stability in the Gulf collapsed as President Trump ordered a U.S. military blockade on Iranian ports, nullifying the June ceasefire and reigniting hostilities with Iran. This decisive action led to a rapid military buildup by the U.S. in the region, setting the stage for a potential widespread confrontation. The blockade directly targeted Iran’s economic lifeline, raising the risk of severe retaliation and escalating the conflict. As diplomatic efforts stalled, the situation became increasingly volatile, with the threat of regional and global repercussions growing by the day.