Korean Media: Iran's "Last Stand on Kish Island" — Laying Mines, Increasing Missiles

It is reported that Iran is strengthening its military deployment in response to a potential U.S. assault on Kish Island. On the 25th, CNN cited sources saying that Iran has not only increased air defense missile deployments on the island but also concentrated laying landmines along coastlines where U.S. forces might land.

According to CNN, in recent weeks Iran has reinforced troops and transported air defense systems to Kish Island. With multiple layers of existing defenses already in place, Iran has recently added portable air defense missiles (MANPADS). These shoulder-fired missiles are lightweight and can be operated by just one or two infantry soldiers.

Additionally, Iran has reportedly laid anti-infantry and anti-tank mines along coasts where U.S. Marines may attempt to land.

Although the Hawk air defense systems and Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns on Kish Island were destroyed in U.S. airstrikes, weakening its air defense capabilities, Iran can still launch attacks using missiles or drones from the mainland.

As a result, public concern is growing that if the U.S. forcibly launches ground operations, it could lead to massive casualties.

James Stavridis, former commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), said: "The current situation is extremely worrying." "Iran is cunning and ruthless. As soon as U.S. forces step onto Iranian soil, they will unleash maximum-strength attacks using every available means."

According to Israeli sources, any attempt by the U.S. to occupy Kish Island would trigger attacks from Iranian drones and portable missiles, inevitably causing U.S. casualties. The source stated: "The U.S. wants to avoid taking such risks against oil facilities on the island, but we can't say for sure."

It is reported that some close allies of President Trump have raised "serious doubts" about whether the risk of occupying Kish Island is worth taking. The reason is that even if U.S. forces succeed in capturing the island, global energy market issues cannot be resolved immediately.

The Gulf alliance partners also express concern over an occupation operation. The fear is that such actions will provoke retaliation from Iran, leading to prolonged war. In fact, Iran has threatened that any Middle Eastern country assisting U.S. ground operations will face retaliation. On the same day, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Intelligence indicates that some of Iran’s enemies, backed by a certain regional country, are preparing to seize one of Iran’s islands." "We know every move of our enemies. Once they cross the red line, all major infrastructure in that region will become targets of merciless strikes without restraint."

It is reported that the Trump administration is considering occupying Kish Island—where approximately 90% of Iran’s crude oil export routes pass—as leverage to pressure Iran into opening the Strait of Hormuz. The island is roughly one-third the size of Manhattan, requiring a large-scale amphibious force for ground operations.

While President Trump claims interest in negotiating with Iran, he has simultaneously dispatched two Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) equipped with thousands of marines, landing ships, and aviation assets to the Middle East. Additionally, the 82nd Airborne Division, capable of deploying anywhere in the world within 18 hours, is also being deployed to the region.

Source: Chosun Ilbo

Original: toutiao.com/article/1860703295392768/

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