Thousands of US Troops Deployed to Gulf Region Amidst Focus on Kharg Island

March 25, Kathmandu – As reports continue about efforts to end the ongoing tensions with Iran, the United States has sent thousands of troops to the Gulf region. Iran suspects that the deployment of American troops toward the Gulf states may be aimed at seizing one of its islands.

On Wednesday, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued a warning that if any neighboring country assists “enemies” in seizing an Iranian island, Iran will retaliate with an attack on that country.

“The Iranian military is closely monitoring hostile activities. If they take any action, we will continuously and strongly attack the critical infrastructure of that regional country,” Ghalibaf stated on social media in separate posts.

However, he did not specify the country’s name. Some analysts believe Ghalibaf’s warning could be aimed at the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Al Jazeera noted, “Some interpret that he may be signaling the UAE, which could assist the U.S. in seizing Kharg Island.”

US Focus on Kharg Island

According to Al Jazeera, the U.S. has its sights set on Kharg Island. Kharg is a small, open island close to Iran’s mainland, considered strategically and commercially important.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted an anonymous military source saying that if military action occurs on Iranian islands or other areas, Iran could open a new front of battle at the gateway to the Red Sea.

U.S. media reported that the Pentagon is deploying “thousands of air and sea troops” to the Gulf region.

Reports indicate that approximately 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division have been ordered to move to the Gulf.

The 82nd Airborne Division is one of the fastest deployable U.S. military units, specially trained to parachute into designated locations. It is commonly known as the “Paratrooper Force.”

Two U.S. Marine units have already been deployed. The first platoon of the marine units embarked on large ships is expected to reach its destination within days.

If the U.S. military presence does indeed establish itself on Kharg Island as suspected, it could pose a threat to the Bab-el-Mandeb maritime route.

Where is Bab-el-Mandeb and Why Is It Sensitive?

The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait is a critical maritime passage between Africa and Asia. It connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. To one side lies Yemen (Asia), and to the other side Djibouti and Eritrea (Africa). It links the route toward the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal. A significant volume of goods transits between Asia and Europe via this passage.

This route is particularly crucial for transporting oil and gas.

A large portion of the world’s oil and gas passes through this route. Analysts warn that any disruption here could impact global oil and gas supplies and cause price hikes worldwide.

For the U.S., Europe, and Middle Eastern countries, this is also a militarily sensitive area. Increased tensions could disrupt maritime traffic. If this route is blocked, ships would have to navigate around the southern tip of Africa, substantially increasing travel time and costs.

Tasnim news agency cited sources claiming that if necessary, Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels are ready to play a role in controlling the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.