Trump mulls Kharg Island takeover to force Iran to open Hormuz Strait, Axios reports

Mar 20, 2026

A satellite image of Kharg Island, Iran, before U.S. strikes, February 25, 2026. 2026 Planet Labs PBC/Handout via REUTERS — 2026 Planet Labs PBC

March 20 (Reuters) - The Trump administration is considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran's Kharg Island to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Axios reported on Friday, citing four sources with knowledge of the issue.

(Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal in Bengaluru, Editing by William Maclean)

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