Iran is significantly reinforcing Kharg Island with additional military personnel and layered air defenses, including shoulder-fired MANPADS, in anticipation of a potential U.S. ground operation.

Axar.az reports, citing CNN, according to intelligence reports, the Trump administration has considered seizing the tiny Persian Gulf island—which handles roughly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports—as leverage to force the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

However, U.S. officials and military experts warn that any attempt to take the island would carry extreme risks. Iran has reportedly laid traps throughout the territory, and experts suggest the "economic lifeline" is now so heavily fortified that a ground assault would likely result in significant U.S. casualties.

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