WASHINGTON — Axios reports that the Trump administration is weighing plans to seize or blockade Iran’s Kharg Island to pressure Tehran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Kharg Island hosts Iran’s main crude export terminal, while the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Any such move would carry significant risks of escalation and broader diplomatic repercussions.
The discussions were reported on March 20, 2026, and reflect one of several aggressive options under consideration.