News media speculation about possible U.S. operations to seize islands in the Gulf is running rampant. Much of it is delusional but there are signs of preparations for ground operations.
Britain’s i News ran the screaming headline “The signs Trump is readying 50,000 US troops to confront Iran—and how they could be used.” The number 50,000 may sound impressive but only a few thousand are actually assault troops that could be used in ground operations.
And then there’s AP: “Seizing Kharg Island would risk US troops and may not end Iran war, experts say.” It cites “experts” arguing that if Trump wants to hobble Iran’s oil industry for leverage in negotiations, a better option might be setting up a blockade at sea against ships that have filled up at Kharg Island’s oil terminals.
