LIVE: Iran Threatens Persian Gulf Mining in Response to Potential Kharg Island Strike by Trump

Thousands of US Marines are being deployed to the conflict-ridden Middle East as Washington evaluates strategies to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open.

The US is considering a possible operation on Kharg Island, a crucial territory through which 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil is exported, aiming to pressure Tehran into compliance.

Recently, discussions at the White House have centered around either occupying or blockading this strategic island.

A senior official informed Axios, “Under every administration, including Trump’s, we’ve had ground forces in conflict zones. I understand the media’s focus and the political implications, but the president will make the right decision.”

At the end of last week, the US announced the deployment of 5,000 marines and sailors, along with the USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault vessel, to the Middle East, indicating that a ground operation might be on the horizon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also hinted at putting boots on the ground as war rages on, admitting there must be a ‘ground component’ involved in forcing the Iranian regime to crumble.