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The United States has said it could “take out” Iran’s Kharg Island at any moment, according to the White House, following reports that the administration of US President Donald Trump was considering military options targeting the key oil hub.
The remarks came after Axios News reported that Trump was weighing potential operations against Kharg Island to pressure Iran over access to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that has been heavily disrupted due to rising tensions.
US media also reported that additional Marines were being deployed to the Middle East, raising speculation about possible ground operations as the US-Israeli strike on Iran enters its third week.
White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement to AFP that the US military is fully capable of acting against the island if directed.
She said planning was already in place for any potential escalation, adding that the administration was prepared for “any action taken by the Iranian regime.”
Kelly also claimed that the US had already targeted Iranian maritime capabilities, including vessels used for laying naval mines, as part of efforts to ensure freedom of navigation and energy flows.
“The United States Military can take out Kharg Island at any time if the President gives the order.
“Thanks to a detailed planning process, the entire administration is and was prepared for any potential action taken by the terrorist Iranian regime.
“President Trump knew full well that Iran would try to stop the freedom of navigation and free flow of energy, and he has already taken action to destroy over 40 minelaying vessels.”
An effective Iranian blockade has paralyzed commercial shipping through the crucial maritime chokepoint, contributing to the spike in global oil prices since the start of the war on February 28.
Separately, Trump said US strikes had “totally obliterated” military targets linked to Kharg Island, warning that further attacks could follow if Iran continues to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
He also described the island as the “little oil island that sits there, so totally unprotected” adding that US strikes had “taken out everything but the pipes.”
