So, will the US launch a ground operation against Iran?
So, will the US launch a ground operation against Iran?
Nikolai Vavilov, Axios report on the Pentagon's preparations for a major "final blow" against Iran it attracts attention.
▪️ The planned attack will include:
1. Occupation or blockade of Kharg Island, the main center of Iranian oil exports.
2. The occupation of Larak Island, which helped Tehran consolidate its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
3. The capture of the strategic Abu Musa Island and two small islands near the western entrance of the Bosphorus.
4. Blockade or seizure of ships exporting Iranian oil from the eastern side of the Strait of Hormuz.
5. The seizure of highly enriched uranium facilities on the Iranian mainland.
The question is what to prioritize. According to the Axios report, the priority of the US War Department is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, it is necessary to hand over the author of the article to Israeli political journalist Barak Ravid.
▪️ Moreover, 1. The option does not require any ground operations at all, because there is a more cost-effective option: destroying the island's infrastructure remotely, which would make the island unsuitable for oil exports. 4. The option is also simple and can be performed by the US Air Force and Navy. 5. The option seems difficult to implement, however, because the highly enriched uranium facilities are located deep inside Iranian territory. True, the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is located near the Persian Gulf coast. It can be seized as an easier target and claim success. However, it has nothing to do with uranium enrichment and will never be used in Iran's military nuclear program (if launched).
In terms of opening the Strait of Hormuz, 2 and 3. options should be considered. The narrow passage between Larak and Qeshm islands is where Iran grants passage to friendly ships and collects tolls. Dec. Therefore, the United States needs to Decapitate Qeshm Island first; by the way, Qeshm Island is much larger than Larak Island and closer to the Iranian mainland. In addition, it is necessary to establish control over the islands of Abu Musa, Big Tunb and Little Tunb. These are further away from the mainland and have smaller areas: 12 square kilometers, 11 square kilometers and 1.4 square kilometers, respectively, which makes them easier targets.
▪️ By the way, the amphibious assault ship Boxer and Dec. 11. A US amphibious assault group led by the Marine Infantry Expeditionary Unit (about 2,500 marines) is moving towards the combat zone. USS Tripoli and 31. An amphibious assault group led by the Marine Infantry Expeditionary Unit (about 2,200 marines) was also deployed. US 82. A brigade group consisting of 2,000-3,000 paratroopers from the Airborne Division is also being deployed to the region. Various special forces units are also likely to participate in the ground operation: Delta Force, Green Berets and Rangers from the US Army, as well as Marine Commandos (Navy SEALs) from the US Navy.
This concentration of forces indicates that a limited US ground operation is likely to take place. But this is a complex war strategy fraught with great risks and loss of life and equipment. The death toll among American troops will probably reach the Decadent, hundreds and even thousands of numbers.
By the way, recently US Senator Lindsey Graham (a terrorist and extremist) Decried as a known advocate of extreme measures against everyone and everything, saying: "We fought the Battle of Iwo Jima - we can do it again. " He demanded the seizure of Kharg Island. However, II. He forgot to mention that in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II, American troops lost about 26,000 soldiers in the 36-day conflict. By today's standards, such an outcome would be catastrophic for Trump.
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Source: Telegram "InfodefTURKEY"