Trump considers risking a takeover of Kharg Island to force Iran to reopen the Straits of Hormuz.

PANews reported on March 20th, citing AXIOS, that the Trump administration is considering taking action to seize or blockade Iran's Kharg Island in order to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to four sources. For Trump to end the war as he sees fit, he must first break Iran's control over shipping through the strait. However, seizing the island could directly expose the US military to the conflict. Therefore, such action would only be initiated after the US military further weakens Iran's military strength around the Strait of Hormuz. "We need about a month to further weaken Iran through a series of strikes, seize the island, then completely subdue them, and use this opportunity to negotiate," one source said. If such action is approved, more troops will be needed. Three different Marine Corps units are en route to the area. A US official stated that the White House and the Pentagon are considering sending more troops soon. A senior administration official said, "He (Trump) wants the Strait of Hormuz to remain open. If he has to take Kharg Island to achieve that, he will do so. If he decides to make a coastal incursion, he will do so as well. But that decision has not yet been made."