According to the Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration is considering not only seizing Kharg Island but also scenarios for capturing Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb along the Strait of Hormuz. US officials warn that American forces on these islands would be vulnerable to Iranian attacks, while former CENTCOM commander Gen. Frank McKenzie says holding Iranian territory could be a significant bargaining chip.
The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday that the Trump administration is considering seizing three additional Iranian islands along the Strait of Hormuz—Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb—beyond the previously discussed Kharg Island. According to the report, US officials warn that American forces stationed on these islands would be exposed to Iranian attacks. Former CENTCOM commander Gen. Frank McKenzie (ret.) told CBS that holding Iranian territory could serve as a significant bargaining chip in future negotiations with Tehran.
The report expands the scope of potential US military operations against Iran, which President Trump has previously threatened to escalate. The Zioneer has covered Trump's earlier warnings about seizing Kharg Island and his threats of 'very hard' strikes on Iran. The administration has not publicly confirmed the options detailed in the WSJ report.
The three islands are strategically located near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transit. Iran also claims sovereignty over Abu Musa, which is disputed with the UAE. The WSJ report did not specify whether the administration favors a military seizure or a diplomatic arrangement.
- DevelopingWSJ: Trump weighs three escalation options in Iran, including Kharg Island seizure, Mount Pikaks bombing
- DevelopingU.S. military repeatedly proposed ground operation to seize Strait of Hormuz — Trump declined each time
- StrongTrump Threatens 'Very Hard' Strikes on Iran Tonight, Outlines Plan for Kharg Island Seizure
- StrongAnalysis: Strategic logic of a potential US seizure of Iran's Kharg Island
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
- Internal intake