The Iran War Kharg Island Invasion Challenge: Why U.S. Troop Deployments Are Just Political Posturing
The news media are largely pearl-clutching about the results of a possible U.S. incursion in Iran, particularly Kharg Island, as Newsweek proclaimed, “Paratroopers leaping down from Osprey choppers and swarming onto the shores of Kharg Island under a hail of gunfire…could this be the next phase of fighting in the Iran war?”
Kharg Island is where the bulk of Iran’s oil (approximately 90 percent) flows through. So, it is an economic lifeline for the current regime.
Iran’s Drones That Russia Is Using. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
While it is strategic in scope, the island is small, about a third of the size of Manhattan, about eight square miles. There are currently about 8,000 people on the island, and Iran’s military has been beefing up its defenses, including the stocking of MANPADS anti-aircraft systems.
The deployment of thousands of American ground troops is raising speculation that the U.S. may try to seize Kharg Island. The U.S. has already conducted airstrikes on the military installations on the island but has not targeted the oil infrastructure.
So, what kind of U.S. forces would be required to take and hold the island, if it were deemed necessary, which it is not?
U.S. Ground Troops Available
The Army announced that elements of the 82nd Airborne Division will deploy to the Middle East. The number of troops is expected to be less than 1,500, so it probably means two airborne infantry battalions and a deployed headquarters element.
The Marine Corps has two Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs), each numbering about 4,500 troops. The first is the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, centred on the America-class assault ship USS Tripoli and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, for a scheduled port visit Dec. 3, 2013. The Nimitz was in the process of returning to its home port, Everett, Wash., following an eight-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet, U.S. 6th Fleet and U.S. 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Rose Forest/Released)
However, the second MEU, the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG)—made up of three warships and carrying the 11th MEU en route to the region from California will take a few weeks to arrive.
This Move Is Political Posturing, Not A True Invasion Force
If, and it is still a big IF, the U.S. were to decide to invade and take Kharg Island, some Special Operations troops would also be needed. Those troops would be tasked with specific, targeted actions rather than holding the entire island.
This includes infiltrating, capturing key personnel, and destroying specific military infrastructure or radars.
Why the big IF? These units are rapid-deployment forces, designed for raids, seizure of key terrain, and short-duration missions. They aren’t designed to operate for an extended period of time without massive follow-on logistical support.
They are not, and will not, be getting involved in an invasion that plans to hold terrain.
Why Would The US Want To Take Kharg Island?
Capturing the island would be relatively easy for a combined amphibious and airborne assault by American Marines and paratroopers. The U.S. has absolute air supremacy, and any defenses would be quickly eliminated.
At the same time, U.S. troops would sweep across the island before any meaningful and coordinated defenses could be mustered against them.
Despite the Iranian bluster that they have “surprises” in store for a U.S. invasion, their military has been decimated. No, the seizure of the island could be achieved with minimal casualties.
Contenders get a chance to fire the XM7 and XM250, future replacements for the M4 and M249 respectively. Soldiers from across the nation compete in the National Best Warrior Competition in Jericho, VT Aug 3-9, 2024. All competitors are victors of previous regional competitions, where they have proved their competence in a series of events that test individual soldier knowledge, skills, and endurance. (Utah Army National Guard photo by Rob Harnden)
“Based on some data, Iran’s enemies, with the support of one of the regional countries, are preparing to occupy one of the Iranian islands,” Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf posted on “X”.
“All enemy movements are under the full surveillance of our armed forces. If they step out of line, all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will, without restriction, become the target of relentless attacks.”
Earlier this week, Ghalibaf said, “We are closely monitoring all US movements in the region, especially troop deployments.”
Retired Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO supreme allied commander, stated that Iranian forces on the island could be “easily overcome by the first waves of US forces.”
However, holding the island, only 20 miles from Iran’s shore, would open up the troops on the island to an unnecessary amount of ballistic missiles, drones, and small boats laden with explosives targeted against the amphibious assault ships.
The seizure of Kharg Island doesn’t give the U.S. any tactical advantage that it doesn’t already have…so why put the troops in harm’s way?
Taking Kharg Island Doesn’t Open The Strait Of Hormuz
One talking point the media keeps making and missing is that the U.S. plans to seize Kharg Island to open the Strait of Hormuz.
The two situations are not linked. What is a possibility, however, is that the U.S. could blockade Kharg Island and not allow any oil to move through there as a bargaining chip for Iran to be forced to open the Strait. This could be done without deploying ground troops.
The Marines and paratroopers could (however unlikely) be used for quick hit-and-run raids along Iran’s coastline to knock out defenses that threaten the ships transiting the Strait.
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Ricky Bryant is last in line to board a C-130H2 Hercules aircraft at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, for a flight to Forward Operations Base Salearno, Afghanistan, on March 8, 2006. The aircraft and crew are assigned to the 185th Airlift Squadron, Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma Air National Guard and are deployed to the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, Bagram Air Base.
(DoD photo by Master Sgt. Lance Cheung, U.S. Air Force. (Released))
The buildup of U.S. ground troops (Marines and paratroopers) is more of a coercive bargaining chip than an actual prelude to a ground invasion of Iran.
By the U.S. not ruling out a ground incursion in Iran, it keeps the Iranians off balance and having to respond to a “what-if” scenario. The buildup isn’t consistent with a long-term invasion, with just a few thousand rapid-deployment troops and no logistics tail following the troops to the Middle East.
Do not expect to see a U.S. ground invasion of Kharg Island unfold. Tactically and strategically, it doesn’t make any sense to do so.
About the Author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a U.S. Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
