Washington: The Trump administration is weighing a high-stakes military proposal to occupy or blockade Iran’s Kharg Island, a move aimed at forcing Tehran to end its monthslong shuttering of the Strait of Hormuz, according to officials familiar with the matter. The potential operation, internally referred to as a primary lever of "Operation Epic Fury," marks a major escalation in the ongoing maritime standoff that has paralysed global energy shipping and sent oil prices soaring.

The plan involves seizing the strategic island, located roughly 15 miles off the Iranian coast, which serves as the terminal for approximately 90 per cent of Iran’s crude oil exports. By establishing a physical presence on the island, the United States intends to strip the Iranian government of its primary source of revenue until safe passage is restored through the world’s most vital oil chokepoint.

According to a report by Axios, the administration considers the neutralisation of Kharg Island’s economic utility as a necessary "knockout blow" to compel Iranian cooperation.

“He wants Hormuz open. If he has to take Kharg Island to make it happen, that’s going to happen. If he decides to have a coastal invasion, that’s going to happen. But that decision hasn’t been made,” a senior administration official told Axios.

“We’ve always had boots on the ground in conflicts under every president, including Trump. I know this is a fixation in the media, and I get the politics, but the president is going to do what’s right,” a second senior official said. No decision has been made yet, the official said.

While the White House has not finalised a decision on a ground invasion, military planners have reportedly briefed the president on the logistical requirements, which would necessitate thousands of American troops and a substantial carrier strike group presence to deter a direct Iranian counteroffensive.

Assembling a Maritime Coalition

The White House is simultaneously working to formalise a multinational "Hormuz Coalition" to share the security burden and provide legitimacy to the intervention. President Trump has called on major energy importers, including the United Kingdom, France, Japan, South Korea, and China, to contribute naval assets for escort missions. While some European allies have expressed tentative support, others, notably Japan, remain hesitant to commit to a combat role, preferring a diplomatic resolution to ensure the long-term safety of their merchant fleets.

Global Economic Impact

The threat of a military takeover of Iran’s energy infrastructure has sent shockwaves through international markets. Brent crude prices surged toward $110 per barrel on Friday, with analysts warning that a protracted conflict or damage to the island’s processing facilities could push prices beyond $150.

The Strait of Hormuz carries nearly 20 per cent of the world’s petroleum and liquefied natural gas, and its continued closure has triggered fuel shortages and an affordability crisis across Europe and Asia. Pentagon officials maintain that while a diplomatic exit is preferred, the Navy is prepared to begin armed escorts for commercial tankers in the coming days to alleviate the mounting global pressure.