The Folly of Seizing Kharg Island

In a hypothetical 2026 war, the United States is considering seizing Iran's Kharg Island to counter Tehran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This military option, involving U.S. Marines, aims to cripple Iran's economy and force it to concede amid rising oil prices. While the seizure is deemed operationally feasible, holding the island under constant threat from Iran's mainland missile capabilities presents significant risks and sustainment challenges. The strategy is ultimately critiqued as a folly because it may not achieve the strategic goal of stabilizing energy markets or breaking Iran's resolve, and could instead provoke further escalation and greater economic disruption.