Trump Refuses to Rule Out Seizing Iranian Islands as US Hits 3 Gulf Outposts
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jul 15
Trump Refuses to Rule Out Seizing Iranian Islands as US Hits 3 Gulf Outposts
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jul 15
Summary
Fox News interview remarks on Monday put a possible US seizure of Iranian territory back in play after Trump declined to exclude it amid strikes on Qeshm, Kish and Abu Musa.
US forces have also pounded Bandar Abbas and other southern port cities, reviving speculation that Washington could move beyond air and naval attacks into a ground operation.
5,000 to 10,000 troops would likely be needed even for a limited island assault, analysts said, with supply lines exposed to Iranian missiles, drones, mines and artillery from the mainland.
Analysts said holding islands would not stop Iran from threatening the Strait of Hormuz and could instead trigger more mining, attacks on ships and Gulf energy infrastructure, and a wider ground war.
Could seizing Iranian islands trap US forces in a costly and unwinnable new Middle East quagmire?
How does China stand to gain from a prolonged US military entanglement with Iran?
Is the world economy prepared for $200 oil as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed?
U.S. Strikes on Iran and the Battle for Kharg Island: Global Oil Shock and Geopolitical Fallout
Overview
In July 2026, after Iranian actions against shipping, the United States launched major strikes on over 80 Iranian military sites along Iran’s southern coast. These strikes deliberately avoided oil facilities, especially Kharg Island, which is crucial for nearly all of Iran’s crude oil exports. Any disruption to Kharg Island would sharply reduce global oil supplies, especially as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is already strained and oil inventories are at historic lows. This crisis has caused oil prices to surge, impacting global markets and daily life, while raising the risk of wider conflict and challenging diplomatic efforts.