Trump is considering sending ground troops to seize Iran's Khark Island

According to Axios, Trump is seeking to form a multinational coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and plans to announce it later this week. Four sources revealed that if the situation of oil tanker passage in the Persian Gulf continues to be obstructed, Trump is also considering seizing Iran's key oil transshipment hub, Khark Island, which would require the intervention of U.S. ground forces.

Iran is currently blocking oil exports from Gulf countries while allowing tankers loaded with Iranian crude oil to pass freely. On Saturday, Trump stated on Truth Social that the U.S. and multiple countries would send warships to the Persian Gulf and called for participation from China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK. On Sunday, he mentioned on Air Force One that the U.S. is negotiating with seven countries, some of which have refused to participate.

The White House refers to the plan as the "Hormuz Coalition," and no country has publicly committed to joining yet, but senior officials expect countries to announce support this week. On Sunday, Trump discussed the plan with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and warned NATO allies that failure to respond would have negative implications for NATO's future.

Regarding Khark Island, it is located about 15 miles off the coast of Iran and accounts for approximately 90% of Iran's crude oil exports. Trump ordered strikes on military facilities on the island on Friday but did not target oil facilities. U.S. officials stated that seizing the island would constitute an economic blow to the Iranian regime but could also provoke Iran to retaliate against oil facilities in Gulf countries.