White House Warns US Can Attack Iran’s Kharg Island ‘At Any Time’ If Trump Orders
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Last Updated:March 20, 2026, 23:56 IST
The White House confirmation came shortly after US media reported that additional Marines are being deployed to the Middle East.
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The White House on Friday said the United States could strike Iran’s Kharg Island at any time if President Donald Trump gives the order, following reports that his administration was considering plans to occupy or blockade the strategic oil hub.
Asked about a report by Axios, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told AFP, “The United States Military can take out Kharg Island at any time if the President gives the order."
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“Thanks to a detailed planning process, the entire administration is and was prepared for any potential action taken by the terrorist Iranian regime," added Kelly.
“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."
The Axios report had said the Trump administration is weighing a plan to seize Kharg Island to pressure Tehran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway through which roughly one‑fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
Kharg Island, around 30 km off Iran’s mainland, is critical to the country’s oil exports, handling about 90 per cent of crude shipments. The island was hit by US air raids last Saturday.
Additional Marines Deployed
The White House confirmation came shortly after US media reported that additional Marines are being deployed to the Middle East, signalling a potential ground operation three weeks into the US-Israeli campaign against Iran.
The Wall Street Journal said between 2,200 and 2,500 Marines from the California-based USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit were being sent. CNN reported that thousands of Marines and sailors could deploy.
A week earlier, US media reported a separate deployment of roughly 2,500 Marines aboard three ships to the region.
The US and Israel launched a major air campaign against Iran on February 28. Tehran has responded with waves of drones and missiles, along with attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which normally handles a fifth of global crude trade.
(With inputs from agencies)
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