Al Jazeera quoted analysts on the possibility of U.S. military operations to seize islands:
"The United States may be preparing for military actions on more Iranian islands. Harg Island is one of them. They have already targeted Kish Island. The third target could be Abu Musa Island."
The Iranian military is also preparing for operations involving Abu Musa Island, which is located in the Strait of Hormuz, while Harg Island is located further north.
There is increasing consideration of sending ground forces not only to these islands but possibly to the Ahvaz area in southwestern Iran, which is where most of Iran's oil and gas is extracted."
It seems that the focus and breakthrough direction of the U.S. military attacks are becoming clearer. Personally, I think this is the U.S. taking a desperate gamble, focusing on island attacks means blocking Iran's revenue sources, that is, controlling the funding source of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Or occupying the islands at the strait's throat.
The U.S. ground forces' operations are not like in Iraq, advancing from south to north across flatlands. Iran is all mountainous terrain. Instead, they focus on a few key targets related to energy, trying to occupy Ahvaz at most, which is the capital of the southern Khuzestan province of Iran and an important oil and military hub, ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz is not blocked by Iranians.
This is the U.S. military's preparation to concentrate limited forces for a key breakthrough. After controlling the islands, since they are separated from the mainland by waterways, they are relatively safe, avoiding a direct confrontation between U.S. and Iranian forces.
Even if the Marines can capture these islands, it's uncertain whether they can hold them.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859632591292619/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.