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US, Israel war on Iran
ChinaDiplomacy

How Trump’s plan to take Iran’s Kharg Island could come unhinged

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to seize the key Iranian oil hub, with latest speech heightening fears

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US Navy sailors load onto an MV-22B Osprey during an exercise aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli on March 26. The Tripoli arrived in the Middle East last week. Photo: Handout
Vanessa Caiin ShanghaiandWilliam Zhengin Hong Kong

Donald Trump’s threat to seize Kharg Island – a key Iranian oil hub – could be a risky proposition, analysts say, given its strategic location in the Persian Gulf.

The small coral island lying about 33km (21 miles) offshore handles around 90 per cent of Iran’s crude shipments. It also sits close to missile and drone ranges stationed on the Iranian mainland and about 660km (410 miles) from the now heavily fortified Strait of Hormuz.
The Trump administration has been considering deploying troops to seize the small island as a way to pressure Iran into reopening the strait, a critical energy conduit that has been effectively shut in retaliation for the US-Israeli strikes that began on February 28.
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In a highly anticipated speech late on Wednesday (US time), President Trump said that the “core strategic objectives” of Operation Epic Fury were “nearing completion”.

But he also warned about further strikes that could inflict heavy damage, heightening fears of a US seizure of Kharg Island amid mounting American troop build-up in the region.

WATCH: Donald Trump addresses nation

WATCH: Donald Trump addresses nation

Trump has made several pointed threats about seizing the island since start of the US-Israeli military campaign.

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