By ifeoma Onyekachi

Iran has intensified security around its most critical oil export facility, Kharg Island, amid rising tensions with the United States and growing fears of a possible military confrontation in the Gulf region.

Military sources and regional reports indicate that Tehran has deployed additional troops, anti-armour mines and air defence systems around Kharg Island, a strategic offshore terminal through which nearly 90 per cent of Iran’s crude oil exports are shipped. The move is seen as a precaution against potential military action targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure.

Kharg Island is considered one of Iran’s most strategic economic assets, and any disruption to operations there could significantly affect global oil supply and prices.

US Deploys More Troops to Middle East

At the same time, the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division is deploying between 1,000 and 3,000 additional troops to the Middle East, adding to the roughly 50,000 American service members already stationed across the region.

Although officials have not confirmed plans for a ground operation inside Iran, military analysts say the troop movement signals that Washington is increasing its military readiness and keeping multiple response options open.

The growing military presence comes amid escalating tensions over Iran’s regional activities, threats to shipping routes, and fears that Iran could retaliate by blocking the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most important oil transit routes through which a significant portion of global oil supply passes.

Iran Warns of Retaliation

Iranian officials have warned that any attack on its territory or strategic facilities would trigger a strong military response. Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said Iran’s enemies were allegedly planning to occupy one of its islands with the help of a neighbouring country.

According to him, Iran’s armed forces are closely monitoring all military movements in the region and would respond by targeting critical infrastructure of any country that supports an attack on Iran.

The warning signals rising regional tensions and raises concerns about a broader conflict that could involve multiple countries in the Middle East.

US Lawmakers Express Concern

Meanwhile, concerns are also emerging within the United States over the possibility of a ground war in Iran. U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace publicly opposed the idea after attending a classified military briefing.

She said the information presented to lawmakers differed from what had been communicated to the American public, describing the gap as “deeply troubling” and indicating she would not support deploying U.S. troops on the ground in Iran.

Her comments reflect growing debate within the U.S. political system over how far Washington should go in confronting Iran militarily.

Israel Denies Pushing US Toward War

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed claims that Israel was pushing the United States into a conflict with Iran. He described such claims as false and insisted Israel was acting in its own national security interest.

Global Oil Market at Risk

Security analysts warn that any military conflict involving Iran could have serious global economic consequences, particularly if oil exports from the Gulf are disrupted or if the Strait of Hormuz is blocked. Such a scenario could trigger a sharp increase in global oil prices and disrupt energy supplies worldwide.

The situation remains tense, with military build-ups, political warnings and diplomatic tensions suggesting that the coming weeks could be critical for stability in the Middle East.