When a regime loses both its external leverage over the global economy and its internal ability to buy time with money and fuel, its options narrow. The same choke point Iran is using to pressure the world can become the instrument that pressures the regime.
How, though, would this operation work in practice? An amphibious assault on a defended shore is one of the most demanding operations in modern warfare. Militaries study landings like Normandy for a reason: They require precise coordination across sea, air, and land domains, and they leave the first waves of troops exposed if combat power does not quickly build ashore. Success depends on integrating helicopters and fixed‑wing aircraft, landing craft, ground forces, intelligence, and constant protection against missile and drone attacks.
Kharg Island, however, presents unique conditions. It is a small, isolated objective, far from Iran’s main population centers, ringed by waters the United States already dominates from the air and sea. American forces can approach from multiple directions and bring significant combat power to bear in the opening hours. The primary danger does not come from the relatively limited Iranian forces on the island itself, but from long‑range missiles, drones, and other strike systems positioned deeper inside Iran.
And yes, there are risks. Any operation to seize Kharg would require thousands of troops, sustained air and naval support, and detailed intelligence, and it would carry a real and expected cost in human life. Iran would also target every reachable energy facility across the Gulf, a campaign already underway.
But the conditions in this case tilt the balance in favor of action. The U.S. has overwhelming air superiority. Maritime advantage around the island is significant but partial. Small assault craft can be airlifted to neighboring countries and reach Kharg directly. Bringing larger warships into position, however, would require transiting the Strait of Hormuz itself, which is possible but carries risks. In military terms, this is a difficult operation, but it is not an impossible one.
President Trump has set up the U.S. for this option. By signaling willingness to explore a diplomatic agreement with Iran, he has shown both the American people and the international community that he is prepared to compromise if Iran meets core demands. At the same time, he has set clear conditions: the transfer of enriched uranium, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and effective guarantees against renewed nuclear and regional aggression.
https://generalyoavgallant.substack.com/p/now-or-never-how-to-finish-the-job