"Life has returned to normal in Kharg", says Iranian Parliament's spokesperson
Tehran, March 28
Spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, Ebrahim Rezaei, claimed on Saturday that the "life has returned to normal in Kharg" island, as quoted by Iranian state media Fars News Agency.
According to the news agency, Rezaei said that the Khrag Island is in "complete security". He also said that the armed forces of Iran are in "full readiness" and any kind of "aggression" against the island will be met with a "decisive" and "irreversible" response.
"Kharg Island is in complete security. The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are in full readiness, and any aggression against Kharg Island will be met with a decisive and irreversible response for the aggressors," he said as quoted by Fars News Agency.
According to an earlier CBS report, the Pentagon is expected to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East. The news report said, citing a source familiar with the planning, that the Pentagon is planning to send elements of the division, including a command component and some ground forces, to the region.
A possible ground operation in the Kharg Island is also being contemplated by the US. Meanwhile, Iranians have started laying mines and moved additional forces to the Island.
A CNN report quoting unnamed sources suggested that Iran has also been laying traps including anti-personnel and anti-armor mines around the island, where US troops could possibly stage an amphibious landing. The Kharg island is said to handle roughly 90% of the country's crude exports
The Trump administration has been weighing using US troops to seize the island and use it as leverage to get them to open the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, Speaker of Iran's Parliament, MB Ghalibaf, said that they have received reports of enemy countries preparing to occupy one of Iran's islands.
He further said that Iran is monitoring all enemy movements. In a post on X, he said, "Based on some intelligence reports, Iran's enemies are preparing to occupy one of the Iranian islands with support from one of the regional countries. Our forces are monitoring all enemy movements, and if they take any step, all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will be targeted with relentless, unceasing attacks."
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Iranian spokesperson says "life is normal" but they are laying mines and moving troops? That doesn't sound normal. It sounds like they are preparing for war. This is worrying for regional stability.
As an Indian, my main concern is the Strait of Hormuz. If that chokepoint closes, our energy security is in serious trouble. The government should be actively engaging with all parties to ensure free navigation. This is not just a US-Iran issue.
The US contemplating a ground operation is a huge escalation. Haven't we learned from past interventions in the Middle East? It only creates more chaos and refugees. India should advocate for peaceful resolution through dialogue.
While I understand Iran's need to defend its territory, the rhetoric from both sides is getting too heated. "Decisive and irreversible response" and talks of targeting "vital infrastructure" of another country... this is how wars start. Cool heads are needed.
The report says the island handles 90% of Iran's crude exports. Seizing it would be an act of economic warfare. It's no surprise Iran is fortifying it. The situation is a tinderbox.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.