Tehran’s firm grip on this vital maritime passage has disrupted global shipping routes, pushed fuel costs to alarming heights, and posed a threat to the stability of the global economy.

Israel has reported that several of its military operations have specifically targeted members of the Guard active in the region.

Officials report that Israeli military actions have resulted in over 1,000 fatalities in Lebanon and have forced the displacement of over a million individuals.

The Iranian Health Ministry has confirmed that the death toll in Iran has exceeded 1,500. Meanwhile, in Israel, Iranian strikes have claimed the lives of 15 people. Additionally, 13 American military personnel and more than a dozen civilians in the occupied West Bank and Gulf Arab nations have been killed.

Marines are on the way to the Persian Gulf

Amid this tension, President Trump’s recent announcement coincides with the deployment of thousands of Marines to the area, sparking speculation about a potential U.S. move to capture Kharg Island, a crucial hub in Iran’s oil distribution network.

Over a week ago, the U.S. conducted airstrikes on the island in the Persian Gulf, targeting its defenses while intentionally sparing the oil infrastructure from damage.

Iran has threatened to mine the Persian Gulf if the US appears to be on the verge of landing troops. That would complicate an amphibious assault and also imperil all shipping in the area.

Trump said he would hold off on a threat to bomb Iran’s power stations while talks unfold — a delay that could be timed to buy time for the Marines to arrive, wrote the New York-based think tank the Soufan Centre in an analysis.

However, the centre also noted that “Trump could be actively seeking an offramp. Whether Iran reciprocates is yet to be seen”.

Trump has said he has no plans to send ground forces into Iran but has not ruled it out. Israel has suggested its ground forces could take part in the war.

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