Sources say the US troop buildup in the Middle East is intended to "open up" the Strait of Hormuz or seize islands.

Odaily Odaily reported on March 20th that US officials stated the US military is deploying three additional warships and approximately 2,500 Marines to the Middle East. Previously, informed US sources indicated that the troop increase would provide President Trump with more military options, including launching an operation to "open up" the Strait of Hormuz, which would require deploying air and naval forces to the Iranian coastline. According to sources, the Trump administration is also considering deploying ground troops to Kharg Island, a vital artery for Iranian oil exports. This plan aims to seize the island and use it as leverage to force Iran to restore access to the Strait of Hormuz. Kharg Island, located in the northwestern Persian Gulf, more than 20 kilometers from the Iranian coast, is Iran's largest crude oil export base, with approximately 90% of Iran's oil exported from there. (CCTV)