Could the US take control of Iran’s southern islands?
GCC News
Such an operation would produce a dramatic military spectacle but would carry costs analysts doubt Washington is willing to incur.
United States forces have struck Iran’s Qeshm, Kish and Abu Musa islands in recent days as part of an escalating campaign that has also pounded port cities along Iran’s southern coast, including Bandar Abbas.
The attacks have revived a question that has hung over the US-Israel war on Iran since its early weeks: Is Washington preparing to seize Iranian territory?
Regional Impact
list of 4 items- list 1 of 4Sirens blare in Bahrain as Iran launches barrage of missiles, drones
– list 2 of 4How Iran’s southern coast is bearing the brunt of US attacks
– list 3 of 4US and Iran trade attacks as Trump threatens to hit civilian infrastructure
Market & Policy
– list 4 of 4US resumes Iran ports blockade as Gulf attacks continue: What’s the latest?
In March, a month into the war, two unnamed US officials told The Washington Post that the US Department of Defence was gearing up for raids on Kharg Island, through which about 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil exports pass. The comments fuelled speculation of a ground operation.
Talk of a seizure died down after the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17. But the scenario is back on the table after US President Donald Trump refused to rule it out in a Fox News interview on Monday.
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