U.S. President Donald Trump. (Image / AP)
The Middle East conflict continues to escalate, with Iran utilizing its new “Sulfur Stone” ballistic missile for the first time, capable of precise strikes across the entire region. Meanwhile, after a U.S. airstrike on the important oil export hub of “Hag Island”, speculation suggests that U.S. attention may shift towards “Geshm Island”, located in the center of the “Strait of Hormuz”, potentially deploying elite Marines to execute a ground operation to seize control of the strait.
With missiles launched towards their targets, Iran announced the first use of the latest “Sulfur Stone” medium-range ballistic missile in a new round of “real commitment actions.” CNN reporters noted: “The range of the Sulfur Stone missile reaches 2,000 kilometers, which means Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and multiple U.S. military bases are all within striking distance.”
As conflicts escalate, following the U.S. airstrikes on all major oil export and military facilities on Hag Island, satellite images reveal significant damage to airport runways and other targets. President Trump stated: “Our military performed brilliantly; we struck Hag Island and almost destroyed everything there, with only one oil facility remaining intact.”
Focusing on Hag Island to impede Iran’s economic capability, analysts suggest that the U.S. actual goal may not lie with Hag Island, but with Geshm Island at the heart of the Strait of Hormuz. Military and strategic expert Nidal pointed out: “Iran controls part of the strait, especially Geshm Island, which is the largest and most rugged area in the vicinity.”
Located at the core of the strait, Geshm Island is seen as a crucial military stronghold. Analysts indicate that underground defense facilities exist on the island, allowing Iran to continuously threaten the waterways with drones even if coastal areas are struck. Holding this island will significantly weaken Iran’s capabilities to attack tankers and vessels, ensuring the safe passage through the strait. President Trump commented: “If I haven’t completely destroyed them, then it’s just nuclear dust; within a month after that bombing, they will have nuclear weapons, first against Israel, then against the entire Middle East.”
In order to seize control over the strait, the U.S. military may dispatch the elite Marine Division 1, known for its century of battle achievements and participation in the Changjin Reservoir and Incheon landings. If deployed to the Middle East, it would mean an escalation from aerial attacks to bloody ground island warfare.