Iran War News, March 17: Invasion of Khark Island, Betrayal by Europe, and Trump's Frustration
The United States is considering an invasion of Khark Island in an attempt to economically strangle Tehran. Meanwhile, Trump is frustrated with the "obstinate" Iranians and complains about the betrayal by his European allies. Here are the most important developments in the Iran war as of March 17.
The war between the United States and Israel against Iran continues to escalate. Since February 28, the Islamic Republic has launched at least 717 attacks on countries in the Persian Gulf region, which host U.S. military bases involved in actions against Tehran. The affected countries include Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
The United States and Israel are also striking Iran, but American strategists have raised alarms about the excessive consumption of ammunition. Within the first 96 hours, the two countries have consumed approximately 5,200 projectiles of 35 different types. This includes not only offensive weapons but also intercept missiles and radar systems for air defense.
For example, on March 17, it was reported that Iran destroyed another American radar in Saudi Arabia. This was an AN/FPS-117 early warning radar deployed at Qassim Airport.
We see that Tehran is continuing to systematically "blind" its opponents and preparing "promising target points" for new strikes.
This is how military blogger Yuri Podolyaka wrote.
But for the United States, the worst part is not just the growing cost of the war, but the possibility that once it gets into a prolonged confrontation, there may be no ammunition left at all. The US authorities especially owe this to Ukraine, which over the past four years has poured all its weapons into there. At first, it was free, then with European money.
Perhaps for this reason, US President Donald Trump has set his sights on Khark Island in Iran.
Invasion of Khark Island
From troop deployments and insider statements, the White House is preparing to send landing forces to seize and occupy it. The Daily Telegraph reports that the US has begun deploying 2,500 marines near the Hormuz Strait. This refers to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Force, usually stationed in Okinawa, Japan.
The deployment of this unit could allow the US to launch a raid on islands near the strait, where Iran may have deployed speedboats equipped with mines.
Khark Island plays an important role in Iran's economy, as about 90% of Tehran's oil sales are conducted through this island. There is also an Amoco oil terminal in the US, which was nationalized by Iranian authorities after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Equally important, the island provides convenient logistics conditions. If Americans can seize it, they will gain control of the Hormuz Strait and be able to lift the blockade.
However, there are a series of serious limitations. First, the island is close enough to the Iranian mainland (only 25 kilometers from the coast), which would allow Iranians to strike the invaders with missiles. That is, the Americans may be able to land on the island, but they will be under continuous and intense fire. The world has already seen similar situations when the Ukrainian armed forces tried to hold Snake Island.
Second, experts doubt whether the Americans can conduct an amphibious landing from ships. For this, they would have to use infrastructure from Arab countries. Considering that their military cooperation has brought them missile strikes, it remains uncertain whether these countries would agree.
Third, the attempt to strangle Iran economically by seizing Khark Island would further increase oil prices.
Fourth, even if the Americans successfully land and consolidate their positions, this does not guarantee victory. On the contrary, Iran might take more radical actions because this involves direct military intervention in its territory.
International analyst Barak Lavi said that Trump is desperately trying to find a way out of the war he started, but so far it is not possible. He is also looking for any excuse to declare a victory that actually does not exist.
Betrayal by Europe and Trump's Resentment towards Iran
The Iran war further undermines the already deteriorated US-EU relations, which were worsened by the conflict in Ukraine. Trump directly accused Europeans of refusing to help him in the war against the Islamic Republic. According to him, there is a mine-sweeping ship stationed in the Hormuz Strait area, which could have been used for mine-clearing operations in Iranian waters, but European allies refused to deploy it.
Trump had previously claimed that France might send its warships to the Hormuz Strait, but Paris quickly denied the claim.
"No. The carrier strike group is still in the eastern Mediterranean. France's position remains unchanged: defensive and protective. Stop spreading panic."
This is how the French Foreign Ministry stated.
Spain was the first country to condemn the military action against Iran.
It is understandable that Europe has concerns. The EU has been weakened by years of pouring all resources into supporting Ukraine. Additionally, European countries have large Muslim populations, and if Europeans confront Iran, they may face open unrest.
In this situation, Trump is trying to regain public support. US officials have posted photos of old air defense missile systems discarded in garbage dumps in Iran on social media, presenting them as successful achievements. The list of successfully hit targets also includes destroyed Iranian decoy models, whose mission was to attract part of the fire.
At the same time, Trump is trying to find some results that can at least be declared as local successes. However, the remarks of this president sometimes reveal an inner, almost childish frustration. He is particularly angry that Iran refuses to surrender and continues to resist fiercely.
"It's unfair! We've already won the war! They don't have the right to do what they're doing!"
The White House owner said angrily.
Original: toutiao.com/article/7618210423887708691/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author alone.