The article examines the feasibility of a U.S. military operation to seize Kharg Island, focusing on current capabilities within U.S. Central Command. Rebecca Grant of the Lexington Institute concludes that the U.S. holds a more favorable position now than at the conflict’s outset. She emphasizes the effectiveness of air dominance as a key factor, noting that American forces control the primary access routes to the island. This advantage reduces the need for large-scale ground deployments, making the operation technically viable with existing assets in the region.
The analysis highlights how modern military strategy increasingly relies on air power and precision strikes to achieve strategic objectives without extensive troop presence. By maintaining control over critical airspace and maritime approaches, the U.S. could effectively isolate and neutralize defenses on Kharg Island. The assessment reflects a broader shift toward asymmetric tactics in regional conflicts, where technological superiority and operational reach can offset traditional force ratios.