war
Trump signals possible US ground operations in Iran as Gulf forces grow
Despite pledges of a near exit, President Trump has reinforced US forces in the Gulf and is weighing high-risk options including seizing oil hubs or recovering buried enriched uranium to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Apr 3rd 2026 · United States
Insights
- Trump says he may withdraw soon while ordering additional carriers and 2,200 Marines to the Middle East.
- US planners are reportedly considering missions to seize Kharg Island, take Qeshm, or mount a ground raid to recover 440 kilograms of enriched uranium.
- Experts say recovering underground uranium or reopening the Strait of Hormuz would require large, sustained forces and carry high operational risk.
- Seizing Kharg would target Iran's oil exports but holding Gulf islands risks indefinite occupation and wider escalation.
- Analysts judge the United States remains essential for any military campaign to reopen the strait and caution that diplomacy is the safer alternative.
Sources
- Trump’s Iran war has woken Albanese up to a new reality. Will it spur him towards ‘ambitious’ reforms? www.theguardian.com
- In the Iran disaster, Trump’s only choice is a recession or a worse recession www.theglobeandmail.com
- Trump’s Iran obsession means US boots on the ground still on the cards www.smh.com.au